Gemotions

The news shattered Maria’s sense of security. She had been putting in extra hours at the campus bookstore to afford tuition. Now, her world crumbled. The shelves of books, which she had always viewed as a source of comfort, now seemed like silent witnesses to her impending disaster.

She stared at the cash register, its numbers blurring. She felt a burning sensation in her throat, a pressure that threatened to explode. She had to take several deep breaths to compose herself.

When the bell above the door chimed, she jumped. She forced a smile to her face, but it felt wooden and unnatural. Each customer’s face seemed to question and mock her. She wished she could just disappear.