Gemotions

The news landed like a physical blow, stealing her breath. She reread the short email again, and then again, each time the words piercing her with a fresh jolt of pain. Her carefully assembled world, the world she'd so painstakingly crafted, felt like a house of cards, collapsing around her.

She quickly closed her laptop, as if doing so could erase the words. The room spun around her. She struggled to remain upright.

She wanted to call her best friend, to hear a friendly voice, but the thought of forming words, of articulating her crushing disappointment, was too daunting. She remained in silence, staring blankly ahead.