Gemotions

The news broke during the team lunch. Chloe, usually the life of the party, pushed at her salad, suddenly finding it tasteless. The chatter around her seemed amplified, a discordant symphony of voices. Her appetite had vanished.

She felt a tremor in her hands as she reached for her water glass, spilling a few drops on the table. She quickly wiped them away, a wave of embarrassment washing over her. She knew that the change was coming, the fear was all-consuming. She suddenly felt the need to be alone, overwhelmed.

Across the table, Liam, her friend and confidant, caught her eye. His face was etched with a similar concern. She gave him a weak smile, but the gesture felt forced. This was a nightmare that made her feel empty inside.