Gemotions

The email arrived, a digital lifeline. "I'm here!" read the subject line. Sarah had always felt like her only ally in the world. Sarah, who understood her anxieties, the things she couldn't articulate. Sarah, who was apparently… here.

Her fingers danced over the keyboard. She crafted a carefully worded response, outlining her insecurities. She was afraid to meet, afraid to ruin the precious connection they shared. But the alternative – a life alone – was unbearable.

Her chest felt tight, constricted. She needed this connection. The thought of losing it was a yawning chasm of despair. She hit send, immediately regretting it. She was committed.