Gemotions

The invitation sat on top of the pile of mail, screaming for attention. Jessica, already late for her yoga class, ignored it. Her body ached, a constant reminder of the physical and emotional weight she carried. She just wanted to be still, to find some quiet.

The thought of the reunion, with its required smiles and forced conversations, made her feel queasy. She imagined the judging eyes, the comparisons, the inevitable feeling of inadequacy. The very idea drained her.

She grabbed her keys, her movements slow and deliberate, and left the apartment, the invitation and its demands left behind. The setting sun felt too bright, the city streets too loud. She needed to escape, even if it was just for an hour.