Gemotions

The calendar on her wall seemed to leer, the large red circles around the date of the parties mocking her. She slammed the door to the office, the sound echoing in the silent building. It was Friday and she was meant to be enjoying her day off.

She sat at her desk, staring at the screen. She needed to respond to at least a hundred emails. She had a mountain of tasks that felt insurmountable, especially considering the looming social demands.

She ran a hand through her hair, the strands catching on her fingers. The thought of facing the parties, the forced smiles, the juggling act of conversation, was a heavy weight.

Her stomach churned. She grabbed her handbag and left.