Gemotions

"A hot air balloon ride?" Olivia choked back the words, barely audible. Hannah's party was set to be enormous. Olivia’s birthday was a quiet afternoon at a museum.

A strange pressure built in Olivia's chest. She struggled to keep the smile on her face. Her voice cracked slightly as she forced out words of praise.

The museum felt dull, the exhibits failing to captivate her. She kept imagining the other party, the stunning views.

Olivia, in front of the art, felt an overwhelming sense of… what was it? Disappointment? She felt the tightening of a knot in her throat as she stared at the paintings. The colors, the forms, the subject matter, nothing felt right.