Gemotions

The children's birthday party. The bouncy castle, the shrieking, the music… it had all seemed like a good idea at the time. Until the knock. And the stern face of Mrs. Rodriguez, who lived below.

She didn't say much. Just a pointed look, a slow shake of her head, and a raised eyebrow that conveyed everything. Sarah’s internal world felt like it was shrinking in on itself.

She wanted to hide, to disappear. The smiles of the children suddenly felt like a judgment. The brightly colored decorations now mocked her. She managed a weak, "I'm so sorry," as Mrs. Rodriguez retreated, the sound of party noise growing more and more deafening.