Gemotions

The office air conditioning blasted cold air onto Chloe’s face, but she felt a fiery heat spread across her chest. She couldn't focus on the spreadsheet, the numbers swam before her eyes. It was a day like any other day. Her boss's comments had added to the mounting pressure, and now this. A knot had tied itself in her shoulders. She wanted to scream.

She’d just hung up with Emily. Emily, reliving their disastrous ski trip with laughter, as if it had been a comedy. Emily recalled the glorious sunshine, the perfect powder, the après-ski celebration. Chloe remembered the biting wind, the icy slopes, the sheer terror as she skidded uncontrollably down the mountain. She felt it, even now, a visceral fear.

“It was the best trip ever!” Emily had declared, bubbling with enthusiasm. Chloe squeezed her eyes shut, trying to fight back the tears. It felt like she was trapped in a nightmare.