Gemotions

The paper shook in Amelia's trembling hand. It was an eviction notice, stark black letters against the crisp white. Her breath hitched. She reread the words, as if that would somehow change them. Outside, the city hummed, oblivious to the earthquake inside her chest.

She slammed the notice onto the chipped kitchen table, her fist making a sharp, hollow thud. The sudden movement sent a tremor through her. Her gaze darted around the room, taking in the familiar clutter. Everything she owned, crammed into this small space, suddenly felt fragile and threatened.

"This can't be happening," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the insistent tick of the old clock on the wall. The silence that followed felt heavy, suffocating. She needed air, needed to be somewhere other than here.