Gemotions

The alarm shrieked at 6 AM, and Sarah slammed her hand on the snooze button. She just couldn't bring herself to face the day. Her phone buzzed; it was a reminder for Liam’s arcade party. She moaned, burying her face in the pillow.

She finally dragged herself out of bed, the floorboards cold beneath her feet. The prospect of getting ready, of social interaction, was a monumental task. She chose the easiest outfit: her oldest, most comfortable jeans and a faded band t-shirt.

At the mirror, she saw a stranger staring back, eyes puffy, hair tangled. The reflection offered no solutions, no encouragement. She sighed deeply. Maya’s picnic seemed the more appealing choice, but even that felt like an ordeal.