Gemotions

The apartment was still a mess. It had been days. Her parents' words replayed in her mind, "You need to pull yourself together," the phrase echoing in her head. She stood in the doorway of her new old bedroom, the walls closing in. The smell of pot roast from dinner downstairs permeated the air, a scent that used to be a comfort, but now felt like a taunt.

She felt the prickling sensation of tears behind her eyes. The idea of facing her parents, of hearing the inevitable questions, was overwhelming. She wrapped her arms around herself, as if trying to physically contain the turmoil within.

She backed away from the mess, and went to the bathroom, and locked the door.