Gemotions

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual Friday afternoon energy, but for Chloe, it was a cacophony of unwanted noise. She pushed her untouched tray of food across the table, the plastic clattering. The vibrant colors of the surrounding students’ clothes seemed to mock her. The laughter and chatter were like a foreign language.

She kept replaying the email in her head, each word a fresh wound. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to tears. She picked at a loose thread on her sleeve, pulling at it until it snapped. She wondered if she should go back to her dorm or if she could face anyone at all.