Gemotions

The paper felt like ice in Elena’s trembling hand. The eviction notice. Her breath hitched, shallow and quick. Outside, the city roared on, oblivious, indifferent. She sank onto the threadbare couch, the springs digging into her. The apartment, once a haven, now felt like a cage.

Her stomach churned, a cold knot tightening with each passing second. She hadn't eaten all day. She didn't have the energy to care. Dust motes danced in the single ray of sunlight that penetrated the grime-coated window, mocking her inertia. She stared at the ceiling, the cracks resembling a map of all her failures.

She pictured her cat, Mittens, curled up in the sunbeam. She felt a lump in her throat. How could she tell her she wouldn’t have a home anymore? She closed her eyes, letting the tears track down her face, the salt stinging her chapped lips.