Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windowpane, mirroring the storm raging inside Chloe. Today was her birthday, and also the day of Maya's elaborate masquerade ball. Chloe had spent weeks, even months, planning her own little dinner party, but it didn't feel important.

She’d spent the morning scrolling through Instagram, a parade of smiling faces and glamorous outfits. Each post felt like a punch to the gut. The vibrant colours of the online world were a contrast to the grey of her apartment, the beige of her own life.

She picked up the phone, her fingers hovering over the dial button. Maybe she could just cancel everything, she thought. It would be easier, less embarrassing. No one would even care.