Gemotions

The laptop screen glared at Amelia, the words on the document mocking her. "Amelia's Unraveling," the title screamed. Her breath hitched, a sudden, sharp intake of air. She swiped at the screen, desperately closing the document, the cursor flashing an accusing red. Sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting dust motes dancing in the air, a serene contrast to the turmoil churning within her. She fumbled for her phone, dialing Daniel's number. The dial tone felt like an eternity.

"Hey, babe," Daniel's voice, bright and carefree, sliced through the air. "What's up?"

"Where are you?" Her voice cracked, a small, fragile sound she barely recognized as her own. She hugged herself, suddenly cold despite the warmth of the room. A chill ran down her spine.

"At the coffee shop, working on... stuff." He chuckled, a sound that grated on her nerves. The unspoken "stuff" now seemed a monumental lie. She ended the call, the silence amplifying the frantic hammering in her chest. She had to get out, had to… breathe.