Gemotions

The official-looking paper fluttered in the breeze as Maya read it, her face slowly draining of color. The words blurred before her eyes, but the message was crystal clear: leave. The world around her seemed to tilt, the familiar street suddenly unfamiliar. She blinked, trying to clear the sudden fog that had descended.

She dropped the notice, letting the wind carry it away slightly. Her hands trembled uncontrollably. She turned and stumbled into her apartment, the door clicking shut behind her with a finality that resonated through the quiet hallway. She locked the door, as if the lock could stop the inevitable.

She walked to the window, the city lights below blurring into streaks of indistinguishable color. She pressed her forehead against the cool glass, a sigh escaping her lips. The world felt distant, unattainable, and the very air was heavy and thick in her lungs.