Baggage on the Counter

[POV: Elara]

The sheer force of the realization hits me like a physical blow. It is as if an invisible, concrete wall has just been violently swung right into my chest, forcefully expelling every single ounce of oxygen from my burning lungs. I stumble backward, completely uncoordinated, my sneakers squeaking sharply against the checkered linoleum floor. I am desperately thankful that my hands are