Gemotions

The vibrant, festive atmosphere of the family gathering grated on her. Laughter and conversation bounced off her, alien sounds. Every affectionate glance, every familiar touch, felt like a betrayal. She felt cornered.

She excused herself from the living room, heading for the sanctuary of the garden. The fresh air did little to alleviate the tightness in her chest. She picked at the grass beneath her feet, pulling at the blades.

She wanted to be alone. She felt a tidal wave of conflicting emotions, overwhelming and suffocating. She couldn't understand how her whole life was suddenly a fabrication. She leaned against a tree, tears prickling at her eyes, and she just couldn’t help it.