Gemotions

The email arrived like a punch to the gut. Michael's elaborate escape room birthday party was a go, scheduled for the exact same day as Jessica's low-key wine and painting night. Jessica blinked at the screen, the bright light making her eyes water.

She had poured hours into planning hers, curating playlists, choosing the perfect wines. The anticipation had been a small light in her routine. The light, however, had gone dim. She felt a profound lack of surprise; this was a familiar feeling.

She opened the wine she had bought, and poured a glass. The clinking of the glass against the counter seemed loud in the sudden silence of the apartment. She was suddenly exhausted, as if she'd run a marathon, and the race was never-ending.