Gemotions

The clock on the microwave ticked with excruciating slowness. Clara tapped her foot against the tiled floor, the rhythmic tapping echoing in the empty kitchen. The aroma of stale coffee hung in the air, a reminder of a morning she wished she could erase. She had nothing to do. Nothing to look forward to.

A notification on her phone from Ben: "That party at Emily's place last year! What a night! Still can't believe I spilled punch on Sarah's dress, LOL!"

Clara wrinkled her nose. A party. She *knew* she’d been there. She distinctly remembered being stuck in the kitchen. She remembered the loud music. Her headache. She felt… disconnected, like she was watching it all through a pane of glass.

"I thought I saw you talking to the dog all night," she texted back, a slight edge to her words.

Ben replied: "Nah, man. I was dancing with Sarah! We totally bonded! Remember?"

Clara remembered Sarah being across the room, gossiping with a group of girls. She remembered wanting to leave.