Gemotions

The silence in the small apartment was almost suffocating. Clara reread the email, each sentence a blow to her already fragile state. Her head drooped towards her chest, her chin nearly resting on her sternum. She felt like her limbs were made of lead, anchored to the floor.

A heavy, involuntary exhalation escaped her lips. The manuscript lay on the table, its pages mocking her. The world seemed to shrink, closing in on her. She just wanted to be still, to escape the constant thoughts swirling in her brain.

The hum of the refrigerator was the only sound besides her own ragged breath. She closed her eyes, just for a moment, promising herself. Just a tiny, little moment.