Gemotions

The park was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, but Anya felt none of its comfort. Her muscles ached, her mind a fog. She sat on the park bench, her gaze unfocused. The constant demands, the endless obligations – they all threatened to engulf her. She was meeting Liam, who had promised to help her unwind, but she found herself staring at another couple.

The man, who was supposed to be Liam, was deep in conversation with a woman. The woman was laughing, a sound that grated on Anya's frayed nerves. Liam spotted her, and his face instantly lost its cheer.

The other woman stopped laughing and turned to Anya. A flicker of recognition passed between them.

"This is getting ridiculous," Anya mumbled.