Gemotions

The clatter of dishes, the murmur of voices. It all felt amplified, each sound grating on her ears. Her sister, Chloe, was hosting a themed party for her birthday. Her own was a quiet book club gathering at her apartment.

She kept fidgeting with the hem of her dress, her fingers tracing the delicate fabric. She felt exposed, vulnerable. Every little sound, from the chattering of her guests to the distant music from her sister's party, made her jump.

She caught her own reflection in the window, and barely recognized herself. Pale skin, wide eyes, the faint tremor in her hands. She felt trapped, suffocated by the unspoken comparison, by the fear of being deemed the “less exciting” sister. She excused herself, claiming a need for fresh air, but the truth was, she needed to escape the mounting feeling of discomfort.