Gemotions

The doorbell rang, a sharp, unwelcome sound that jolted her. She peered through the peephole, her hand instinctively rising to her throat. It was the delivery person, bearing a cake she had ordered for the party. The cake, a symbol of joy and celebration, now felt like a cruel joke.

She opened the door, her voice a shaky whisper as she told the delivery person to take it back. She couldn't bear to look at it, couldn't bear the reminder of what would not be. Her stomach churned, a cold wave of anxiety washing over her.

She turned back into the house, feeling exposed and vulnerable. She felt a strong desire to shut out the world, to barricade herself inside. The shadows seemed to lengthen, the familiar comforts of home turning threatening. She just wanted to be safe, to be unseen.