Gemotions

The children's laughter was piercing, a vibrant, unwelcome intrusion. Sarah pressed her hands against her ears, a futile attempt to block the sound. The incessant shrieking echoed in her skull.

She retreated to the bathroom, locking the door. The tile felt cold against her cheek. She wished she could disappear. She wanted to be nowhere, utterly alone.

She stared at her reflection, seeing the lines of exhaustion etched around her eyes. The sound of the children playing in the park across the street was a constant reminder of how ill at ease she was in the world.