Gemotions

"More coffee?" Sarah's mother asked, her voice filled with concern. Sarah just shook her head, pushing the untouched plate of eggs away. The morning light streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, but Sarah saw none of it. Her gaze was fixed on the crumpled newspaper on the table, the headline glaring at her. "Beloved Author, Evelyn Reed, Accused of Plagiarism."

She felt a strange disconnect, as if she were observing her own life from a great distance. Her mother's gentle attempts at conversation felt like a bothersome intrusion. She wanted to be left alone, to dwell in the thick, suffocating fog that had enveloped her since she'd read the news.

She picked at the corner of the newspaper, the paper tearing under her restless fingers. The world felt muted, drained of color. The scent of coffee, usually so invigorating, just made her feel nauseous.