Gemotions

"Are you alright, Clara?" her sister asked, her voice laced with concern.

Clara just nodded, forcing a smile that felt brittle. The party, once a source of excitement, now felt like a cage. She'd seen Mark across the room, tall and familiar, and excitedly rushed over. He had looked at her like she was a stranger.

She excused herself from the conversation, and found a quiet corner in the garden. The air was cool and smelled of damp earth. She wrapped her arms around herself, as if seeking comfort. Her breath hitched. The music seemed to pulse with a mocking rhythm, each beat a reminder of her lost connection.