Gemotions

Her breath hitched in her chest as she watched her reflection in the dusty mirror. A hollow ache filled her, and her heart felt heavy. The accusations, false as she knew them to be, left her feeling vulnerable and exposed. She needed to feel like she was escaping. Picking up a battered copy of a classic novel, she sank into a chair.

A postcard fluttered to the floor. On one side, a picture of a sun-drenched beach. On the other, a brief note: "Wish you were here." The message, meant for someone else, struck a discordant note within her. The sunshine on the photograph felt like a cruel irony, a reminder of the carefree days that seemed so far away.