Gemotions

The cheerful chime of the doorbell echoed through the apartment, amplifying the sudden stillness that had fallen over her. Her hands, usually steady, trembled as she reached for the door. Outside stood Michael, a box of chocolates clutched in his hand. Her boyfriend, David, had just given her a similar box the day before. Her world felt like it had tilted, leaving her struggling for balance. She forced a smile, a grotesque caricature of her usual warmth. "Oh, h-hi," she managed, her voice barely a whisper. She wanted to scream.