Gemotions

The glossy photograph of her younger self stared back at her from the invitation. Clara found it lying on her nightstand, as if waiting to ambush her. She let out a long, slow breath.

She found herself slumping onto the bed, the weight of the day suddenly crushing her. The room felt stifling, the air thick with unspoken expectations.

The thought of going back, of pretending to be happy and successful, filled her with a profound sense of sadness. The whole idea felt utterly draining.