Gemotions

The doorbell rang, and Claire skipped to answer it, beaming. Her best friend, Sarah, stood on the porch, a sheepish look on her face. "There's been a change of plan," Sarah began, her voice hesitant. The party was off. Claire felt as if the ground beneath her feet had vanished.

She felt her smile falter, her carefully rehearsed responses dissolving into nothing. The planned festivities had represented something important: a reason to feel… valued. Now, the anticipation gave way to a cold, unfamiliar loneliness.

She retreated inside, shutting the door. The familiar scent of her home seemed alien, the colors too bright. She needed to be alone.