Gemotions

The silence in the art gallery was now unbearable to Maria. She stood beside the other woman, a tall redhead named Jessica, looking at the same abstract painting. The same painting "Daniel" had taken them both to see. The absurdity of it all was overwhelming.

Maria swallowed hard, trying to keep her voice steady, but it betrayed her inner turmoil. "I… I just need some air," she managed to say. The words came out thin and reedy.

She didn't wait for Jessica's response. She pushed through the crowd, heading for the exit, the colorful canvases blurring before her eyes. The bright light from the street felt harsh, almost hostile. Each breath felt labored, as if her lungs couldn't quite fill. She felt lightheaded, disoriented, like she was floating away.