Gemotions

The chipped mug warmed Amelia's hands, but the heat didn't seem to travel inward. Outside, the rain drummed a relentless rhythm against the windowpane. She’d been staring at the droplets tracing paths down the glass for what felt like hours. It wasn't that she didn't *want* to do anything; it was more like the very idea of it felt…distant. Like trying to grab smoke.

A text notification buzzed on her phone, a reminder from her therapist. She sighed, the sound barely audible. Maybe she'd call later. Or tomorrow. Or... maybe never.

Suddenly, a knock at the door. It was Ethan, his usual boisterous self. “Hey, Ames! Remember that hiking trip we were talking about?” His smile faltered when he saw her face. “Everything alright?”

She forced a smile back, a dull ache blooming in her chest. "Yeah, fine. Just… tired." He'd come to her doorstep brimming with plans and enthusiasm, and she was already exhausted, just from existing. The hiking trip. They'd planned it for weeks. He'd forgotten she'd mentioned it.