Gemotions

The Instagram story notification popped up during breakfast. *Mr. Bell viewed your story.* She felt a sudden pressure in her chest, like a weight had settled there. She had posted a silly video of her cat. It suddenly seemed utterly mortifying. She stared at the screen, her breakfast untouched.

The kitchen, usually a place of comfort, now felt sterile and alien. She felt a strange buzzing in her ears. She pushed away from the table, a sudden and compelling need to escape the confines of her own house. The sunlight streaming through the window seemed oppressive. She felt like she was caught in a spotlight.