Gemotions

"Are you even excited?" Maya's voice, usually a bright melody, felt distant. She was perched on the edge of the bed, her shoulders slumped. Her reflection in the mirror stared back, a stranger with tired eyes and a mouth turned down at the corners. Today was the day. Her day.

The plans she’d made had felt exciting at first. A fancy dinner, a rooftop bar, the works. Now, the thought of dressing up, of putting on a happy face, made her stomach churn. The dress lay discarded on the floor, a shimmering reminder of a forgotten enthusiasm.

She sighed, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I… I don’t know, Alex. Truthfully?” she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper. Alex’s party was the same night, a casual get together at the local pub. A part of her envied the simplicity of it. She glanced at her phone; a flurry of excited texts from friends. The anticipation felt crushing.

She picked up the dress, letting the fabric slide through her fingers. Maybe she’d just skip it. Maybe she’d just stay home.