Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the staccato drumming in Clara's chest. She slumped onto the park bench, the cold seeping through her jeans. Her phone felt heavy in her hand, the message from Liam, the party organizer, a digital weight. "Sorry, something came up. Party's off." She'd been picturing tonight for weeks, the faces, the laughter, the feeling of… celebration. Now, the image just dissolved into a grey blur, mirroring the sky. A gust of wind whipped her hair across her face, stinging her eyes. She remained seated, watching the few remaining leaves on the trees shake loose and drift to the ground.