Gemotions

The email popped up on her screen. "Regret to inform..." The phrase echoed in her head. Clara stared at the words, her mind struggling to process their meaning. She felt a lightness, as if she were floating. Then, as the reality sank in, the lightness became a lead weight in her stomach.

She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision. She felt a sudden, sharp sting behind her eyes, and tears began to well up. She pressed her lips together, willing them not to spill over.

She leaned back in her chair, the world around her becoming blurry. Her hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into her palms.