Gemotions

The soft glow of the fairy lights illuminated Maya's small apartment as she sat at her desk, sketching in her notebook. Her pen moved fluidly across the page, capturing the details of a vase of wildflowers. Music played in the background. The low hum of the refrigerator filled the air. She felt content, her mind free to wander. A knock on the door startled her.

It was Chloe, her best friend, who looked crestfallen. Chloe uttered the words. "Boston. New Job. Starting next month." Maya's hand stopped moving. The pen dropped from her grasp. The fairy lights suddenly seemed to flicker, casting unsettling shadows across the room. She felt cold.