Gemotions

I slammed the book shut, the cover proclaiming "Sarah: The Quiet Retreat." The audacity of it! My life, dissected and put on public display. I was already sick of the stares. The author painted me as someone who withdrew from the world, who hid from the pain.

I locked myself in my bedroom. The world outside felt so loud. I sat on my bed, staring at the wall. My breathing was shallow, my heart heavy. I thought about the days I'd wished I was better at interacting with people. I still do.