Gemotions

The brightly colored balloons in the corner of the room, remnants of the now-canceled event, seemed to mock her. The card, with its handwritten message of joy and celebration, now felt like a cruel joke.

She moved through the apartment, the space that had held so much promise of happiness now felt vast and empty. She ran her hand along the edge of the dining room table, imagining it filled with happy faces. Each touch was a sharp reminder of what would not be.

She picked up a worn copy of her favorite book, its pages filled with notes and underlined passages. She remembered the feeling of security and warmth she always got from reading. This was all she had left.