Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the art festival drew her in, the same day as David's quiet get-together. The smell of paint and turpentine usually exhilarated her. She'd agreed to volunteer at David's event weeks ago. Now, she felt a profound sense of unease.

She wandered through the stalls, her steps slow, her gaze unfocused. Her phone buzzed; a picture from David, a selfie with their friends. She thought of their easy camaraderie, the comfortable silence.

Her throat tightened. Each brushstroke, each splash of color on the canvas, felt like a judgment. She felt a burning need to be somewhere else, she felt a tightening in her chest.