Gemotions

"Take a pottery class." Sarah traced the words with her finger, the paper crinkling under her touch. Her mother, a woman who radiated joy and confidence, had clearly envisioned a life full of experiences. Sarah, by contrast, felt a perpetual sense of unease.

She imagined the clay slipping through her fingers, the resulting misshapen pots. She felt a familiar burn in her cheeks. The thought of being clumsy, of making a fool of herself in front of others, made her want to retreat. She looked around the small apartment. She was safe here.