Gemotions

The envelope felt heavy in Maya’s hand, as though filled with lead. She sat on the edge of her bed, the eviction notice resting on the floral duvet. A prickling sensation, like a thousand tiny needles, crawled up her arms. She stared at the floorboards, trying to fix her gaze on something, anything, other than the looming threat. The silence of the apartment seemed to amplify every creak and groan of the old building. Her breath hitched in her throat, shallow and rapid. "I need some air," she mumbled, pushing herself up, though her legs felt like jelly.