Gemotions

The text message blurred before her eyes. Across the country. The words swam, refusing to make sense. She blinked, hard, trying to clear her vision, but the letters remained stubbornly out of focus. She reread it, again and again, each time the meaning sinking in deeper, a cold, hard stone settling in her gut.

Her vision swam. She rose from the couch, feeling unsteady. She stumbled towards the bedroom, hands outstretched as if walking a tightrope. The room spun. She fumbled for the light switch, flicking it on and off, the sudden flashes of light and darkness adding to her disorientation.

She collapsed onto the bed, burying her face in the pillows. Her body trembled, and every muscle tensed. Silent sobs racked her body until she felt as though she might break. The world was gone.