Gemotions

The library was quiet, the only sounds the gentle turning of pages and the soft hum of the air conditioning. Clara tried to focus on her research, but the words seemed to dance before her eyes. The letters blurred, and her head felt heavy. She slumped forward, resting her forehead on her open book.

She was startled by a soft cough. She raised her head, blinking, and saw a woman across the table looking at her with concern. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and she swayed slightly.

“Are you alright?” the woman asked softly.

Clara could only nod, her throat too thick to speak. The world felt muffled, as if she were underwater.

The woman sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I know,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “It’s… hard to stay upright, isn’t it?”