Gemotions

"No, I can't," Maya mumbled into the phone, her voice barely a whisper. Her best friend, Olivia, was excitedly detailing the guest list for her beach bonfire. Maya, meanwhile, was preparing her meticulously planned picnic, an idyllic afternoon of sunshine and sandwiches.

She ended the call abruptly, her hand shaking as she returned the phone to the counter. A strange hollowness had invaded her chest, expanding like a balloon. Olivia had known about the picnic, of course. They'd been discussing it for months.

Maya surveyed the array of colorful blankets and gourmet treats she had prepared. The food began to feel stale, the vibrant colors muted. Her meticulously constructed plans suddenly felt weightless, destined to drift away like smoke. She went to the window, the sunlight too bright, and closed the blinds.