Gemotions

He fumbled with the notice, his fingers clumsy as he tried to unfold it. The harsh fluorescent light of the hallway seemed to magnify every imperfection, every crack in the paint. His chest felt constricted, as if a heavy weight was resting there.

His heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the sudden silence of the building. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He backed away from his apartment door, as if the very presence of it threatened him.

"No, no, no," he muttered under his breath, his voice cracking. The reality of the situation crashed over him, a tidal wave of dread. He felt his legs weaken, his knees threatening to give way. He slumped against the wall, the cold brick a poor comfort.