Gemotions

“Pizza and board games, cool, right?” Ben had asked excitedly, already halfway through organizing the event. Sarah stared at the colourful flyer for Chloe's party. A pool party. Everyone was going. Sarah felt a shiver of anxiety course through her. She was so excited about Ben's party. She'd agreed to bake the cake.

When Ben asked her what she thought of his plans, she felt her throat close. Sarah mumbled, “I thought it would be a bit more…exciting.” The words felt wrong even as they left her lips. She immediately regretted it. She felt a strong compulsion to apologize and change her mind.

Later, she found herself at Chloe's, awkwardly navigating the throng of laughing teenagers. The water felt cold against her skin. She felt a strange emptiness. Something was missing. She stared across the pool, wishing she was somewhere else, anywhere else. She missed the comfort of Ben's familiar presence.