Gemotions

The key scraped in the lock, and the door swung open with a complaining groan. “Perfect,” Chloe muttered under her breath, dropping her bag with a thud. Another late night at the office, and now this. A text from Alex, her online gaming companion, popped up. "Hey! Just saw your post about the new cafe! Wanna grab a bite?" The casualness of it felt grating. She had deliberately avoided telling him where she lived.

She kicked off her shoes, the motion a frantic release of built-up tension. The thought of pleasantries and forced conversation after a draining day made her body clench.

She flopped onto the couch, staring at the ceiling. She’d reply later. Much later.