Gemotions

The music was too loud, the party games too boisterous. Ava retreated to the balcony, the city lights blurring through the rain. She inhaled deeply, trying to find some sort of calm. The air was cold, a welcome contrast to the burning in her chest.

Across town, she knew, Daniel would be hosting his gaming tournament. The same day as hers. A themed murder mystery night. She'd put so much work into creating the immersive atmosphere, the cryptic clues, the delicious themed snacks. Now, the thought of it felt pointless.

She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the chill. She felt like a puppet whose strings had been cut. The laughter from inside, the clinking glasses, grated on her nerves. She longed for the comforting darkness of her own room, a space away from the noise.