Gemotions

The cold tile floor of the bathroom was the only place she could find any comfort. Leaning against the cool porcelain of the bathtub, Maria wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hold herself together. Her mother’s proclamation, delivered with such serenity, had shattered her own internal calm.

Maria closed her eyes, trying to block out the image of her mother’s glowing face. Her chest felt compressed, as if a large weight was sitting on it. The air was thin, making it difficult to take a full breath. She imagined herself as a fragile glass figurine, on the verge of shattering.

She needed to get away, to find a place where she could breathe. The bathroom felt too small, too confining. She stood up and splashed water on her face. This had been a huge shock.