Gemotions

A soft breeze drifted through the open window, carrying the scent of jasmine from the courtyard below. Amelia leaned against the plush velvet cushion of her window seat, tracing patterns on the condensation of her iced tea glass. The rhythmic tick of the grandfather clock in the hallway was a soothing counterpoint to the city’s distant hum.

She was currently immersed in a book of poetry. Every so often she would close her eyes, breathe deeply, and replay her favorite lines. Her shoulders remained down, loose, as she moved through the verses.

Her gaze drifted to the flyer taped to the front door, a stark white rectangle amongst the usual advertisements. Her eye caught the words "Condominium Conversion." She sighed, the paper sliding down her fingers. The building had been her sanctuary for years. It was just a paper, she thought, picking up her book again.