Gemotions

The coffee shop was her usual refuge, but today, it felt like a prison. Sarah scanned the newspaper, her blood running cold. There it was: the feature article on sustainable energy, under Michael’s name. Michael, the golden boy, the one with the easy smile and the knack for taking credit.

She felt a tremor in her hands as she gripped the paper. The pleasant aroma of coffee and pastries did nothing to soothe the sudden wave of nausea. Her heart thudded a frantic rhythm against her ribs. She couldn't breathe.

She abruptly stood, scattering sugar packets across the table. Her abrupt departure shocked the other patrons. Outside, the bright morning felt suffocating, and the city, which she once loved, appeared to sneer at her with it's busy streets.