Gemotions

The announcement came during the weekly building meeting. As the property manager droned on, she felt a prickling sensation on her skin, as though every hair on her body was standing on end. Her hands clenched in her lap, and she had to focus intently to keep her face neutral.

She saw the other residents' reactions – some curious, some excited, a few resigned. But she felt none of those things. Her mind was a whirlpool of anxieties. She pictured herself, out of luck, out of money.

After the meeting, she made a beeline for her apartment, needing an escape. She locked the door and slid down it, burying her face in her hands, wanting to disappear.