Gemotions

The city outside the window was a blur of movement and noise, a complete contrast to the sudden stillness that had descended upon Emily's desk. It felt like the ground had shifted under her feet. The acquisition announcement, a polite but devastating summary, sat open on her screen.

She felt like she was trapped. Her breathing was shallow. She wanted to scream. Her apartment, her car payment, her whole life…suddenly it felt fragile and precarious.

"No, no, no," she breathed, her voice cracking.