Gemotions

The musty smell of the attic hit Amelia like a physical blow. She’d postponed this clean-up for months. Now, the previous owners' neglect was staring her in the face. She felt a tremor in her hands as she reached for a dusty box.

Inside, she found a collection of old board games, their boxes ripped and faded. A wave of regret washed over her. She used to enjoy board games. Now, she barely had time to eat. She felt a sting behind her eyes, the familiar pressure building.

She unearthed a box of Christmas decorations. Tinsel, ornaments, and a string of flickering lights. It was a stark reminder of all the holidays she’d spent alone. She felt a dull ache in her chest. She wanted to vanish.