Gemotions

The perfectly arranged flowers in the vase seemed to wilt before her eyes. Her own intimate dinner party, meant to celebrate her milestone birthday, felt utterly meaningless. Across town, Melissa was hosting a lavish masquerade ball.

The thought of the elaborate costumes, the dazzling lights, the endless stream of attention Melissa would receive filled her with a strange, unpleasant feeling. She picked up a pair of scissors and began snipping at the roses, the petals falling to the floor.

Her own party, a careful collection of refined conversations and exquisite food, now felt like a pale imitation. She hated the feeling, the one that clenched her stomach.