Gemotions

“Just two parties,” I muttered to myself, staring at the invitations on my desk. Both beckoned, both on the same day. One, Liam’s arcade extravaganza, vibrated with noise. The other, Maya’s quiet gathering in the woods, promised serenity. Both held the same hidden cost.

My eyelids drooped as I reread the details. Maybe I could feign a sudden illness. The thought sparked a fleeting flicker of hope. I pushed back from my desk, the creak of the chair echoing in the empty room. My body ached, every muscle protesting.

I decided to try and work, but staring at my work, my focus was gone. My brain felt as if it was filled with cotton. I slumped back, feeling a deep void in my chest. The world seemed very far away.