Gemotions

The vibrant colours of the art gallery usually invigorated Maya, but today, they seemed to mock her, a kaleidoscope of false cheer. She’d been enjoying a lovely afternoon with her boyfriend, Jake, until she saw the message on his phone. A message from “Olivia,” filled with the kind of affection she had believed was reserved for her.

She excused herself from the gallery, claiming a headache. As she walked down the street, the city, usually a source of excitement, felt overwhelming. The crowds, the noise, the incessant movement, all grated on her nerves. She felt a sense of being trapped, as if the world was closing in on her.

She sought out the park. She sat on a bench, looking out at the trees, but she could not find any solace in the scene. She felt disconnected from everything, as though she was watching her life play out on a screen.