Gemotions

The phone call ended, and Maria stared at the receiver, the dial tone a shrill, mocking sound. The world seemed to shrink around her, the vibrant colors of her apartment fading to a dull monochrome. She felt a sudden chill, despite the warm midday sun streaming through the window.

She ran a hand over her face, her fingers tracing the outline of her jaw. Her carefully constructed plans, her hopes and dreams, suddenly seemed fragile, vulnerable. Her breath caught in her throat.

She reached for a glass of water, her hand trembling as she brought it to her lips. The cool liquid did little to soothe the dryness in her mouth, the tight knot in her stomach.