Gemotions

The print on the notice seemed to shift and waver before Emily's eyes. She blinked, willing it to disappear, but the words stayed. A knot formed in her stomach. She opened the window, inhaling deeply, as if trying to pull the fresh air into her very soul.

She stood in place, her body aching, her thoughts a jumble. She began straightening, obsessively, the mismatched books on her bookshelf. Then, she stopped, the futility of it hitting her like a physical blow.

She sank into the armchair, feeling a strange mix of exhaustion and agitation. Her gaze drifted out the window, following the movements of the clouds across the sky. Time seemed to both slow down and speed up, all at once.