Gemotions

The weight of the warm blanket, the soft purr of the cat on her lap, the quiet hum of the refrigerator – it was all a balm for Iris. She curled up on the couch, the remote control in her hand, content to spend the evening alone. Her apartment was her refuge, a place of peace.

She was eagerly anticipating a phone call from Alex. He was traveling, but they’d planned to talk tonight. She felt a warm glow whenever she thought about him. She was lost in a blissful thought of their future.

Then, a knock. A woman stood there, holding a box of chocolates that Iris recognized as Alex’s go-to gift. The woman looked inside, then at Iris. The woman, confused, turned to Iris and said, “I think I have the wrong apartment.” Iris felt her world crumble.