Gemotions

The silence in the small apartment was almost suffocating. Elena traced circles on the condensation of the window, each one a futile gesture. The eviction notice sat on the table, a stark white testament to her failure. Where would she go? What would she do?

She saw Ms. Petrov, the woman from next door, leaving her mansion to go shopping. She saw Ms. Petrov with a smile and a wave, as she always does. Elena felt a pang, a sharp stab of resentment. Ms. Petrov, who was apparently a billionaire, according to something the paper boy had mentioned.

Elena felt a lump form in her throat, making it difficult to breathe. She closed her eyes, trying to conjure the energy to get up, to do something. Anything. But she felt utterly, completely depleted.