Gemotions

The constant buzzing of the office printers and the forced cheerfulness of his colleagues were making her head throb. Clara felt a strange pressure, a tightness in her chest, as she typed away at the computer. She'd been feeling this way for days. She longed for peace.

Her phone vibrated, and she saw the message from "KindredSpirit," her online support group member: "Outside, can't wait to finally meet!" The words seemed to jump off the screen, intensifying the pressure.

She pulled her coat on, her hands fumbling with the buttons. She started to reach for the door, but stopped. She could not face the world.