Gemotions

The sunlight streaming through the window seemed excessively bright, causing a throbbing headache. The email sat open on her laptop, a professional headshot of *Brenda* staring back at her. Brenda, who'd tripped her in the cafeteria, who'd spread the cruelest rumors. Now, a licensed therapist.

She closed the laptop with a snap, the sound echoing in the silent apartment. She felt a burning sensation in her chest, a tightness that made it hard to breathe. The world felt tilted, unbalanced.

She knew she should be happy for Brenda. But all she wanted to do was scream.