Gemotions

The last rays of sun were fading, casting long shadows across the room. She sank into the nearest chair, her back stiff, her shoulders tight. The silence was an oppressive thing, heavy and stifling.

He emerged, his arms laden with books and a steaming mug. “Ni hao, ai ren,” he said, his voice hesitant. The attempt at the language was a surprise, but the context of the day's trials made it feel like a final crushing blow.

She closed her eyes, the throbbing behind her temples intensifying. The thought of speaking, of explaining, of anything, was too much. She felt every muscle in her body ache, and her spirit just wanted to fade out of existence.