Gemotions

"Dinner's ready!" Her mother’s call drifted up the stairs. Emma took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She hadn’t left her room all day, pretending to be busy with nonexistent work. Now, she had to face the reality of her current situation – eating her mother’s bland meatloaf at the family table.

The staircase creaked as she descended. The dining room seemed smaller, more cramped, than she remembered. Her father patted the seat next to him. She sat down, acutely aware of the silence that followed. She could feel her cheeks getting warm.