Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the art gallery blurred before Emily’s eyes. She had been invited to a reception for a new exhibition, but the constant chatter and forced smiles felt like an assault. Her diary. The thought of it, spreading through social media, made her want to run. She kept replaying the events in her head, feeling a slow, seething anger.

She clutched her wine glass tightly, the stem digging into her palm. She felt an overwhelming detachment, as if she were observing the scene from a great distance. She excused herself, the effort of saying goodbye exhausting her. The cool night air hit her face, but she felt no relief.