Gemotions

The bustling coffee shop felt distant, muffled, to Chloe. She sat hunched over her latte, which had grown cold. Her phone vibrated. A friend request. From Derek. Derek, who made sure she was always at the bottom of the social ladder.

Her shoulders slumped. His profile displayed a life of success and popularity. She felt a twinge of something akin to jealousy. A heavy weight seemed to settle in her chest, making it difficult to breathe.

She pushed her chair back from the table. The thought of joining the world seemed difficult. She just wanted to go home and hide. The world felt heavy on her shoulders.