Gemotions

The email notification popped up on her screen, and she felt a sudden dryness in her mouth. The subject line, "Party Update," promised excitement, but the words within delivered a different message altogether. Her breath hitched. She scrolled through the list of guests, all of whom had been so excited to come. Now, nothing. She felt a growing pressure inside her chest.

She stood abruptly, pushing the chair away from the desk with a sharp scrape. She needed air. The office, usually a familiar and comforting space, suddenly felt suffocating. She walked to the window, staring at the cityscape, its vibrant lights now appearing blurred through a sudden misting of her eyes. She wanted to scream.