Gemotions

The card, emblazoned with generic flowers, seemed to hum with unwanted cheerfulness. She stared at it, a knot of unease tightening in her throat. She felt suddenly short of breath, her heart thudding against her ribs.

She was supposed to be hosting a dinner party tonight. She’d spent the entire week planning, shopping, and preparing. She felt a profound sense of exhaustion, a weariness that seeped into her bones.

She looked around at the pristine house, the perfectly arranged flowers, the meticulously planned menu. It all felt like a gilded cage, beautiful on the outside, but utterly constricting within. She wanted to be *anywhere* else.