Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the living room suddenly seemed muted, drained of all joy. The eviction notice lay on the coffee table, a stark reminder of her crumbling world. Maria felt a wave of nausea.

Her mouth felt dry, and she struggled to swallow. She fumbled with the clasp of her purse, desperate for something, anything, to ground her. She took a deep breath, or at least tried to.

She felt a tingling sensation start in her fingertips, spreading up her arms. She stood up abruptly, her legs feeling unsteady. She stumbled toward the window, pulling the curtains open.

The world outside seemed to mock her with its normalcy. Cars drove by, people chatted on the sidewalk. She felt isolated, alone, consumed by a swirling panic.