Gemotions

The news notification pinged on Maya’s phone, shattering the quiet of the coffee shop. She choked on her latte, spluttering the hot liquid across the table. Her eyes widened, focusing on the words: “Financial Difficulties Lead to Closure.” The world tilted.

She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Her hands, usually steady, began to tremble uncontrollably. The clatter of mugs and the chatter of other students seemed to fade into a dull roar. The weight of her pending student loans, previously manageable, now threatened to crush her.

She fumbled for her bag, her fingers clumsy. She needed to escape, to be alone. She left the half-finished coffee, abandoning the world. Her only thought was that she needed to go.