Gemotions

"Well, damn," muttered Clara, staring at the official-looking document. Her usual defiance crumbled, replaced by a dull ache in her chest. She crumpled the paper in her fist, then smoothed it out, smoothing out the truth was harder though.

The apartment, usually a riot of colour and noise, seemed muted and subdued. The vibrant tapestry she’d woven over the years suddenly felt like a fragile thing, about to unravel. She'd had time, but she hadn’t taken it. She thought about the money she had spent on silly things.

She slumped onto the floor, pulling her knees to her chest. Outside, the city roared on, indifferent to her plight. She thought about the friends she’d alienated. She should have been a better person.