Gemotions

The floral centerpieces seemed overly bright, the balloons too festive. Clara straightened her back as she surveyed the party venue, a ballroom. She adjusted her dress, her fingers tracing the delicate embroidery, the sensation oddly grounding. She had a rival party at the same venue.

She kept an eye on the entrance, the door itself a solid barrier against the unknown. Her gaze met a waiter’s, and she quickly looked away.

A shadow fell over her. Her friend, Liam, approached with a cheerful greeting, but Clara’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Everything alright?” Liam inquired. Clara only nodded and took a sip of champagne, feeling the bubbles tickle her nose.