Gemotions

The porch swing creaked rhythmically as Eleanor gently pushed off the flagstones. Sunlight warmed her face; she closed her eyes and tilted her head back. The scent of jasmine from the overgrown trellis mingled with the fresh-cut grass from next door. She’d been looking forward to this all day: a quiet evening, a good book, and a well-deserved break from the office. A small smile played on her lips as she pictured the next few hours unfolding exactly as planned. Her phone buzzed, a jarring sound in the afternoon quiet. A text from her best friend, Maya, popped up on the screen. "BIG PROBLEM. PARTY OFF." Eleanor's smile vanished.