Gemotions

The email sat unread in her inbox, the subject line – “Regarding the Family Silver” – a digital landmine. Her mother’s words, echoing in her mind, replayed the same message over and over. "We need the money." The words felt heavy, dense, and suffocating. Her hands were ice cold.

She stared at the screen, her vision blurring, the brightly lit office suddenly feeling constricting. She felt a burning pressure behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to a torrent of tears. She leaned back in her chair, the leather creaking in protest, and pushed away from her desk.

The office door felt impossibly far away. When she reached the elevator, she found herself staring at the numbers flashing upwards. She didn't want to go anywhere. She felt like she wanted to collapse.