Gemotions

"Oh, for heaven's sake," Amelia mumbled, shoving the invitation to the side. The dining table, usually her domain, was covered in paperwork. The house was a mess. The world, in general, felt like a colossal mess.

Her shoulders slumped. She picked up a pen and absently tapped it against the edge of the table. The thought of putting on a dress, of trying to catch up with old friends, of feigning interest, was utterly exhausting. The energy to be social had evaporated, leaving behind a hollow ache.

She leaned back in her chair, the weight of her responsibilities heavy on her chest. The reunion felt like an intrusion, a demand she simply wasn't equipped to meet. The silence of the house felt almost oppressive. She closed her eyes, the very act of thinking feeling laborious.