Gemotions

The eviction notice. The words swam before Clara’s eyes. Her throat felt tight, as if a hand were squeezing it shut. She stared out the window, the city lights blurring through unshed tears.

A wave of nausea washed over her. She stumbled to the bathroom, leaning against the cool tiles. The fluorescent bulb buzzed, an irritating sound that amplified the buzzing in her ears.

She splashed cold water on her face, trying to clear her head, to regain control. The mirror reflected a stranger, a woman with wide, frightened eyes.