Gemotions

The email notification popped up, the words "Party Cancelled" screaming from the screen. Maya clicked it, her hand shaking as she read the brief message. A wave of heat flushed her face, making her feel uncomfortably exposed. The planned celebration felt like the only thing keeping her afloat this week.

She closed her laptop with a snap, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet library. All the hopes she'd held, the tiny wishes for connection, suddenly evaporated. The air felt thin, difficult to breathe.

She got up and walked to the restroom, her reflection stared back, pale and pinched. She splashed cold water on her face, but the coolness didn't soothe. The tightness in her throat remained.