Gemotions

The world seemed to tilt on its axis as she absorbed the news. Her breath hitched in her throat, a shallow, ragged gasp. She felt a prickling sensation on her skin, like a thousand tiny needles. The bright, bustling cafeteria of the university, usually a comforting backdrop, now felt oppressively loud, the laughter of other students grating on her ears.

She rose abruptly, knocking over her half-eaten sandwich in the process. The spilled food lay on the table, a messy reflection of the disaster unfolding within her. She ignored the stares, the murmurs, and fled.

She found herself outside, gasping for breath, the cold autumn air doing little to soothe the sudden heat that flushed her face.