Gemotions

The aroma of coffee, normally a welcome invitation, held no appeal. Instead, it was an unwelcome intrusion into the quiet solitude of the bedroom. The covers provided a sanctuary. Hannah lingered beneath them, savoring the stillness.

Her mind wandered, circling the things she was supposed to do, the duties that awaited. The sheer volume of them seemed overwhelming. She dreaded the appointment that afternoon: with the therapist, with Rebecca Collins, who used to delight in tormenting her in high school.

Hannah's fingers tightened on the edge of the sheet. She felt a deep ache in her bones, a reluctance to move.