Gemotions

The phone rang, the sound shattering the quiet. It was her old friend, Jessica, reminding her about the reunion. "You *have* to come, Emily!" Jessica's voice was bright, full of an energy Emily didn't share. "It's going to be so much fun!" Emily could picture the scene already: the loud music, the awkward small talk, the forced smiles.

“I don’t know, Jess…” she started. Her voice was barely a whisper. She found herself staring out of the window, at the swaying branches of a tree. The idea of leaving her home, her sanctuary, her comfort, felt impossibly difficult.

Jessica’s voice chirped on, oblivious. Emily closed her eyes, the phone pressed against her ear, hearing the echo of her friend's enthusiasm. "I'll think about it," Emily finally replied, her voice flat, and quickly hung up the phone.