Gemotions

The morning brought a strange, heavy quiet. Clara sat on the edge of her bed, the unmade sheets a reflection of her inner state. Today was her birthday, and also her friend, Emily's. The thought of choosing, of having to decide which party to attend, was a crushing weight.

She considered turning off her phone, deleting all social media. She wanted to vanish. The world felt too bright, too loud.

Emily had put so much effort into planning her party. It would be a cheerful affair, filled with laughter and dancing. Clara's own birthday had been forgotten. She looked at the floorboards, searching for an answer. The thought of pretending to be happy, of joining the joy, made her chest constrict.