Gemotions

Her grandmother's engagement ring, sparkling on the table, seemed to mock her. Her brother, a man whose ambition knew no bounds, spoke in a tone she hated. "For your future, Emily. It's an investment."

Emily’s throat constricted. She struggled to swallow, as if something was blocking her air passage. The sunlight through the window felt harsh, the room itself too bright. She felt as though she was being suffocated.

She stared at the ring, a symbol of love and memory, and felt a crushing sense of loss. She felt the sudden urge to flee, to run away and hide. But where could she go? She didn't know.