Gemotions

The party buzzed with music and laughter, but Chloe felt like she was standing outside looking in. She gripped her glass of wine tightly, the stem digging into her palm. She’d been thrilled when she learned Alex was hosting a party. They'd been inseparable as kids, building forts, sharing secrets, vowing to always be best friends. Now, he didn't seem to recognize her.

She scanned the room, searching for him. When she finally found him, he was surrounded by a group of people, his head thrown back in laughter. He looked completely at ease, perfectly at home. She hesitated, then took a deep breath and started to approach.

Before she could reach him, someone bumped into her, spilling her wine down the front of her dress. She mumbled an apology, her cheeks burning. She quickly excused herself, the party's energy suddenly overwhelming. She went to the bathroom, closed the door, and stared at her reflection. Her face was pale, her eyes wide. She scrubbed at the stain on her dress, the feeling of being completely unmoored, as if she were adrift in an ocean, suddenly washed over her.