Gemotions

Maya scrubbed at the kitchen counter, her knuckles white against the granite. Confetti from Liam's "surprise" planning session still clung stubbornly to the grout. She'd agreed to help, of course, because Liam was her best friend. Now, staring at the sheer volume of tasks – catering quotes, venue options, guest list confirmations – a sense of pressure built in her chest.

Her phone buzzed, another message about Lily's party. “Need help with the decorations!” it blared. Lily, bless her, was planning a carnival-themed extravaganza, complete with a petting zoo. Maya let out a breath, the air whistling a bit as it escaped her lips.

Later, she found herself staring into her closet, the neatly organized clothes seeming to mock her. She couldn’t even decide what to wear to her OWN dinner. Each outfit felt inadequate, each choice a monument to her inability to be in two places at once.