Gemotions

The crisp white envelope felt heavy in Amelia's hand. She almost dropped it, her fingers slick with a sudden, unwelcome sweat. Reaching for the kitchen counter, she steadied herself, heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird. "Just a letter," she muttered, the words sounding thin and brittle. It was her high school reunion. Twenty years.

She ripped the envelope open with a fingernail, the paper tearing raggedly. Inside, the invitation, a glossy photo of a smiling group, all young, all untouched by time. Amelia scanned the names, her vision blurring slightly. They were all there: Jessica, the popular girl; Mark, the star quarterback; even Kevin, the kid who had relentlessly teased her.

A wave of dizziness washed over her. She crumpled the invitation in her fist, then smoothed it out, a tremor running through her arm. The date, the time, the location – all swam before her eyes. The thought of facing them, of seeing how they saw her now, filled her with a profound unease. She needed a drink.