Gemotions

The cold, impersonal words on the paper swam before Maria's eyes. They were a slap in the face. She'd always been a responsible person, always done what was asked of her, paid on time. Now, this! The sheer gall of it! She felt a knot forming in her stomach, a tightness that made it hard to breathe.

She reread the eviction notice, her lips twisting into a bitter grimace. The accusations were baseless, ridiculous. The landlord, a woman who rarely returned his calls, now had the nerve to say she was disruptive. Her neighbors? They loved her. They were always borrowing sugar, and she had always been kind and courteous.

Maria slammed her fist on the table, the force rattling the dishes. She felt a heat rising in her chest, a burning sensation that threatened to erupt. She’d fight this, she vowed. She wouldn't let them get away with this.