Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of her tiny apartment, mirroring the storm inside Amelia. She hadn't slept properly in days, the anxieties clawing at her every moment. Her online friend, Leo, was a constant comfort. Their late-night chats about everything and nothing kept the darkness at bay. Tonight, though, the comfort felt fragile. A notification popped up – Leo had mentioned he was moving. Suddenly, a cold dread settled in her stomach. Where?

She reread his message. He'd said, "Gonna be in the city next week!" Her city. The one she hid in, avoiding eye contact and social gatherings. Her fingers trembled as she typed a reply, forcing a casual tone. "Oh, cool! What part?" The cursor blinked, mocking her. The thought of Leo, the only person who understood, being *close* was unsettling.

A wave of nausea washed over her. She got up and paced her apartment, trying to outrun the feeling. What if he wanted to meet? What if he saw how truly... broken she was? She stopped, staring at her reflection in the darkened window. Rain streaked the glass, blurring the world outside, just like the way she perceived reality.