Gemotions

The email notification chimed, a small, unwelcome sound. Maya, already curled on her bed with a mug of chamomile, felt a tremor run through her. She didn't want to look. She knew, deep down. It was always the same.

The screen illuminated her face, a pale oval in the dim room. Her fingers trembled as she clicked. The words swam – "We regret to inform you..." Her breath hitched. She scrolled down, not really reading, just absorbing the harsh reality.

She closed her laptop with a decisive snap. The sound echoed in the quiet space. Her jaw clenched. She needed air, suddenly. She got up, the blanket falling to the floor, and marched to the window. The rain had started, mirroring the way she felt inside.