Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windowpane, mirroring the storm brewing inside her. The cafe, usually a haven, felt suffocating. Sarah's voice, bubbly with excitement about her move to Seattle, grated on her ears. Every laugh was a pinprick.

She stirred her latte, watching the cream swirl and disappear into the dark coffee. Her fingers were clumsy, fumbling with the tiny spoon. The scent of coffee usually comforted her, but today it felt acrid, too strong.

She excused herself to the restroom, needing to escape the relentless cheer. The cold tiles of the bathroom floor offered no solace. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to scrub away the tightness that had settled there. It wouldn't go.