Gemotions

The realization hit her in the face like a cold bucket of water. Her phone buzzed; a picture of her best friend, Maya, with her party details on the screen. Then another notification popped up: *Sarah's Birthday Bash!* The *exact same* date. She could feel her expression freeze.

She went completely still, her breath catching in her throat. The noise of the busy cafe faded into a dull hum. She felt detached, as if observing the scene from a distant vantage point.

She knew she would hurt someone's feelings. The weight of that knowledge, the pain of the inevitable choice, bore down on her. Her eyes stung with unshed tears.

Her gaze flitted between the two screens. They were both important to her. She felt overwhelmed, lost in a maze of conflicting emotions. She had no idea what to do.