Gemotions

Eliza found the letter tucked amongst a pile of old recipes. It was from her childhood best friend, Clara, a woman she hadn't spoken to since they were teenagers. The weight of the years, the unspoken resentments, suddenly pressed down on her. A wave of nausea rolled through her.

She wandered aimlessly through her house, touching objects, the familiar textures offering no solace. She went into her garden, but found it wasn't the balm it usually was. The blooming roses seemed to mock her.

She picked up the letter again, reading it slowly. She felt a profound sense of emptiness. The words felt like a confirmation of a truth she'd always known, but had never dared to acknowledge.