Gemotions

The first thing she did every morning was check her phone. The text messages from her friend, Emily, seemed to taunt her. "Heard the reno is going well!", "Can't wait to see the finished product!" She put her phone down, the screen reflecting her distressed face.

She hadn't answered Emily's texts about the renovation, or anything else for that matter. Avoiding everyone seemed easier than facing the truth. The air around her prickled with unseen tension. She kept the curtains drawn, the daylight a harsh reminder of her transgression.

She was surprised she hadn’t lost more sleep. The endless hammering was almost a comfort, a distraction. Every blow of the hammer was a punishment she felt she deserved. She imagined her friend's laughter, their plans, their friendship, all lost to her.