Gemotions

The invitation sat on Amelia's fridge, a cheerful splash of primary colors against the muted grey of the appliance. It announced Liam’s birthday bash, a pool party complete with a DJ and catered food. Amelia swallowed hard, the lump in her throat a familiar companion. She glanced at the crumpled, half-eaten sandwich on her plate, a testament to her lack of appetite.

She’d spent the morning staring at a blank canvas, the brushes untouched, the paints dried and brittle. Painting used to be an escape, a way to translate the swirling chaos inside her. Now, it just felt like another reminder of her failures. The art gallery rejection letter still burned in her memory.

Later, she sat on her porch, watching the late afternoon sun cast long shadows. Her own birthday was on the same day as Liam's. She’d quietly cancelled her small gathering, a few close friends, a simple meal. Now it just felt like a massive burden. It was probably better this way, she thought.