Gemotions

The email arrived like a thunderclap. A decade. A decade since Sarah had disappeared from Clara’s life, leaving only a void. Now, an apology. Clara's stomach clenched, a familiar knot forming.

Clara deleted the email immediately. Then, she opened it. The words, so carefully chosen, stung like a betrayal. She pictured Sarah, probably glamorous and successful, while Clara was here, teaching remedial English. The thought made her want to scream.

She started furiously scrubbing the kitchen floor, the rhythmic motion a desperate attempt to channel her frustration. Every scrub felt like a strike against a ghost. She worked until her arms ached, until the floor gleamed. Then she sat down, staring blankly at the clean surface, the email's ghost still flickering in her mind.