Gemotions

The morning sun, filtered through the blinds, felt like too much effort. Amelia groaned, burying her head further into the pillow. Her phone buzzed, a chirping notification for a date she’d vaguely agreed to. Mark. She squinted at the screen, recalling a date from a week ago, vaguely enjoyable. She’d promised to be at a park at noon, but that felt like an eternity away. A deep breath. She considered texting him she was feeling sick. Probably the most appealing option. She could get back to dozing.

The thought of pulling herself out of bed, showering, and then pretending to be interested in small talk felt like navigating quicksand. She eventually dragged herself up, pulling on the first thing she found: an oversized, worn-out hoodie. The park seemed a galaxy away.

Reaching the park, she spotted Mark. And, across the green, also a woman, also waving eagerly. Both were smiling. Amelia's stomach twisted.