Gemotions

"So, what are you wearing to the gala?" her mother asked, her voice brimming with cheerful anticipation. Sophia winced, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her own party – a rooftop cocktail soiree – was less a celebration and more a chore. Her best friend, Chloe, was hosting a backyard bonfire.

She glanced at the floorboards, tracing the knots in the wood with her toe. The thought of dancing with all the people her parents would expect her to dance with made her want to run and hide.

The air felt thick, heavy with unspoken expectations. She bit her lip, a familiar gesture when anxiety bubbled to the surface. She should be elated. She had everything: the perfect dress, the perfect location, a guest list filled with the "right" people. But all she felt was a profound sense of disconnect.