Gemotions

The weight in Chloe's chest was a constant companion, a heavy stone she carried everywhere. Even online, the usual spark had dimmed. Her online friend, "StarryEyes," noticed. "You okay?" the message read. Chloe stared at it, the words blurring through unshed tears. She hadn't been okay in… well, a long time. She was barely functional these days.

StarryEyes was the only one who seemed to understand. They shared everything. The crushing pressure of her job, the loneliness of her apartment, the gnawing feeling that she was failing at everything. Now, StarryEyes had suggested a walk in the park. She knew the location; she had been there before.

The thought of going outside, of interacting with someone in real life, felt like an impossible task. She sat there, paralyzed. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, but she couldn't bring herself to type a response. She wanted to say yes, but her body wouldn't obey.