Gemotions

The rain mirrored the mood in Maria’s apartment, a relentless, gray drizzle. The once-bright walls seemed to have dimmed, just like the joy in her heart. She flipped through old photo albums, each page a fresh wave of memories, each memory a tiny stab of pain. They had been inseparable since kindergarten, yet she had been distant lately, caught up in her own drama, her own insecurities.

Her gaze landed on a picture of them, younger, happier, huddled together at the beach. A lump formed in her throat. She had taken their bond for granted. The weight of it settled on her like the damp air.

A text from Chloe. "On my way! Almost ready?" Maria typed a response, her fingers heavy. “Yeah. Almost.”