Gemotions

The news broke during Amelia’s shift at the coffee shop. A frantic text from her roommate: “Have you seen the email?!” Amelia, wiping down the counter, felt a strange detachment. Everything seemed muted, as if through a thick pane of glass.

She glanced at the usual morning rush of students, their faces now etched with confusion and worry. A sense of unreality washed over her. The clatter of mugs, the whir of the espresso machine, the barista’s cheerful banter – all seemed distant, like she were observing a play. She felt like an outsider looking in.