Gemotions

The first thing Emily did was lock herself in her bathroom. She stared at her reflection, searching for the vibrant young woman she once was. All she saw were tired eyes and a forced smile.

Her fingers trembled as she ran the shower, the hot water a futile attempt to wash away the crushing sadness. She spent too much time in there, not wanting to leave. The invitation, with its promise of laughter and connection, was a cruel joke.

She imagined him, tall and handsome, with someone else. The thought was a sharp, stinging pain, a knot that tightened in her stomach. She just wished she could disappear.