Gemotions

"No, no, no," Maya whispered, her voice barely audible. Her chest ached, a tight band constricting her breath. The message, a cruel dismissal of the party she’d been looking forward to, felt like a physical blow. A sense of despondency settled within her.

She walked into the living room, its familiar clutter suddenly unfamiliar. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. It reminded her of childhood days.

She slumped onto the sofa, the same one her parents had bought when they had first got married. She ran a hand across the faded floral pattern, her fingers tracing the worn fabric. It was comforting, even now. She closed her eyes, and suddenly she was a little girl, safe in her parents' arms.