Gemotions

“Congratulations, Elena!” Her boss clapped her on the back. Elena forced a laugh that sounded more like a choked sob. The news hit her like a punch to the gut. She’d been reassigned to a different office location, a move she hadn’t asked for.

Her apartment felt so far away. The thought of relocating, of leaving her friends and her routines, sent a tremor through her. She felt a profound sense of… disquiet. She wanted to remain where she was.

She spent the afternoon packing her things, the familiar objects of her life now symbols of a life she was leaving behind. The empty boxes seemed to mock her. The familiar ache started behind her eyes.