Gemotions

The retirement party invitation was pinned to the fridge, a constant reminder of the approaching day. The kitchen smelled of coffee, but she couldn't bring herself to eat. The thought of food made her nauseous.

Her hands shook as she picked up a pen and a notepad, intending to start writing. But every word she tried to formulate seemed to crumble before she could finish it. The weight of the responsibility felt crushing.

She threw the notepad down, the sudden movement causing a cup to rattle on the counter. She felt a profound and urgent need to escape, to run, to be anywhere but here.