Gemotions

The news was delivered with a smile, a bright and sunny explanation of a new life in Florida. My chest became a tight knot, the air becoming thin and hard to draw. The sunny pronouncements felt like a punch. I couldn't speak, could only stare, my eyes wide and vacant. The world around me dimmed, as if someone had turned down the lights.

My hands felt cold, and I clasped them tightly together, as if to keep them from betraying my emotions. My stomach churned, a feeling of unease spreading through me. The future, which had always seemed so clear and bright, now appeared uncertain and indistinct. I wanted to shout, to object, to make them stay.

I needed to leave, to get away from the happy news, but my feet felt rooted to the floor. I was paralyzed. My breathing became rapid and shallow.