Gemotions

The words on the paper swam before Emily’s eyes. She blinked, trying to clear her vision, but the print remained stubbornly blurred. Her hands trembled as she set it down on the kitchen counter. A hollow ache spread through her chest. The thought of moving, of leaving her cozy haven, felt like a physical blow.

She mechanically started cleaning, scrubbing the kitchen sink with unnecessary vigor, as if she could scrub away the problem. The tap water ran too hot, she scalded her hands but didn’t even notice. She hated the idea of finding a new place, the endless searching, the packing, the settling in.

She paused, staring at her reflection in the stainless steel of the refrigerator. Her features were pinched, her eyes wide. She hated the feeling of being completely at the mercy of others.