Gemotions

The doorbell rang, a sharp, unwelcome intrusion. It was a package, addressed to a name she didn't recognize, for the tenant before her. The delivery man gave her a perfunctory smile and departed. She closed the door, the click echoing in the sudden silence. The package sat there, a cardboard monument to someone else's life, someone else's opportunities.

She walked over to the window, staring at the blurred city lights. Everything felt distant, like she was trapped behind a pane of glass, watching the world move on without her. Her heart felt heavy, each breath an effort.

She went back to the package and picked it up. She didn't want it. She should leave it outside. She placed it back down. The decision was difficult.