Gemotions

The clatter of dishes in the sink echoed in the sudden silence. "Colorado, Mom? Colorado?" Maya's voice cracked. Her mother nodded, her expression apologetic. Maya stared at her, her carefully constructed world crumbling around her. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to tears.

She focused on the patterns of the wallpaper, the way the light filtered through the window, anything to keep from completely falling apart. A lump formed in her throat, making it difficult to swallow. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came.

She pushed back her chair, the scraping sound loud in the tense atmosphere. She needed to get away, to be alone. She walked out of the kitchen, her steps hesitant and unsteady, each one an effort. She just needed a minute.