Gemotions

The invitation sat on Amelia's fridge, a cheerful splash of color mocking her. Liam's party. Laser tag. She swallowed hard, fingers tracing the glossy paper. The thought of all those flashing lights, the echoing shouts… her stomach churned. It felt like her lungs were stuck, constricted in her chest. She pictured the crowded arena, the boisterous energy of everyone else, and a coldness spread through her limbs.

She had already bought the perfect gift, a vintage comic book he’d been wanting. Now she stared at it, the colorful cover suddenly seeming so distant, so unrelated to her own feelings. She bit her lip and knew, she just *knew*, she wouldn't be able to go.

The date was the same as her own. She’d sent out invitations last week. A small gathering at her house. Now the thought of facing everyone, the potential for them to not show up, felt like a physical weight she couldn't manage to carry.