Gemotions

The calendar, hanging in the kitchen, glared back at Clara. Two dates circled in red, both for the same evening: Ben's "Epic Dance-Off" and Sam's "Cozy Movie Marathon." She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to choose. The scent of coffee, brewing in the pot, filled the air.

She drifted into the living room, her eyes landing on an old photo album. Flipping through the pages, her fingers traced the outlines of familiar faces. Ben, goofy grins plastered across his face, in countless photos. She remembered hours spent on the dance floor, laughing and feeling free.

Then, she lingered on a photo of Sam, lounging on a couch, surrounded by pillows and blankets. Those movie nights, with the low hum of conversation and popcorn, felt like a distant dream. She looked at her phone, at all the unanswered texts. The clock ticked on the wall.