Gemotions

It had arrived in the mail, a crisp, white rectangle that had landed on the mat. The instant Clara saw it, she knew. She dropped to the floor, the world tilting. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She clutched at the edge of the sofa, needing something to ground her as the room spun.

This was a disaster. She'd lost control, and now, everyone would know. She pictured the judgement in her mother's voice, the disappointment on her brother's face. She felt like a child, caught in a terrible game, and she had no escape. The humiliation was like a physical blow.