Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow to Clara. The words, *Sale of Company Announced*, swam before her eyes. She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, forcing her to lean against the cold, metal frame of her desk. She closed her eyes, trying to compose herself, but the image of her future, or lack thereof, filled her vision.

Her breath hitched in her chest. She had a mortgage to pay, a car loan, and a daughter to support. The weight of it all seemed to settle on her shoulders, making them slump forward. She could barely manage a whisper, "Not now."

The office noise seemed to fade into a dull roar, the constant chatter morphing into a meaningless din. She focused on steadying her breath, on feeling the cool metal against her forehead.