Gemotions

The constant hum of the air conditioning made Maya's teeth ache. She ran a hand over her face, scrubbing at the fatigue that etched itself onto her features. Her friend's birthday party. She was supposed to be there to celebrate. She slumped in her seat, defeated.

A coldness seeped through her, making her shiver despite the stuffy air. She wanted to scream. She wanted to yell at someone, anyone, to make the world stop. The laughter and chatter surrounding her felt like a cruel symphony of normalcy, mocking her predicament.

She pulled her knees to her chest, trying to make herself smaller, to disappear from the world. Her heart pounded against her ribs, a frantic rhythm of disappointment and regret. She closed her eyes, wishing she could just wake up and it would all be okay.