Gemotions

The invitation to Sarah's party, at the trendy rooftop bar, had arrived in the mail first. Then, a few days later, a text from Chloe: "Party at my place! Same night, of course." Sarah, with her bubbly personality and effortless charm, was always the life of the party. Chloe was… quieter. Less noticeable.

At Sarah's party, she kept her drink clutched tightly in both hands. The bar was packed. She nodded greetings, forced smiles, trying to seem like she belonged. Each booming laugh, each shared glance between Sarah and another guest, felt like a judgment, a reminder of her own awkwardness.

She slipped away to the balcony, the city lights blurring in her vision. The cool air did little to soothe the knot in her stomach.