Gemotions

The bustling art gallery was a sensory overload for Olivia. The chattering voices, the bright colors, the smell of expensive perfume – it all felt overwhelming. She’d spotted Ben, her old friend, across the room. The years had been kind to him. He was handsome, confident, and surrounded by admirers. She managed to navigate to him, her heart thumping a frantic rhythm. He turned, his eyes met hers, and a polite, unfamiliar expression crossed his face. "Can I help you?" he asked.

Olivia’s mouth went dry. Her meticulously planned introduction evaporated. She felt the blood draining from her face. She felt a profound weariness, a bone-deep exhaustion she couldn’t explain. She opened her mouth, but the words felt like they were trapped.

She took a shaky breath and turned to walk away.