Gemotions

The weight of the world seemed to settle on Ava's shoulders. The simple act of breathing felt strenuous. She sat on the park bench, watching children play, their carefree laughter grating on her nerves. She picked at the chipped paint on the bench, pulling at the pieces of wood.

She was waiting for Leo, who would be here any minute. He kept telling her about his job as a "venture capitalist," the exciting deals and high-stakes negotiations. She felt the urge to know what it was about.

She took a deep breath. She had been feeling this for a while. It was time.