Gemotions

The invitation crackled in Amelia's hand, the glossy paper a betrayal of its cheerful font. She stared at it, her chest tightening. A party, cancelled. *Her* party, cancelled. She felt a prickle crawl up her spine, like tiny insects skittering across her skin. Without thinking, she twisted the paper into a tight little ball and flung it towards the overflowing waste bin. It missed. She turned and retrieved the wad, smoothing it out with surprising care, then crushed it again.

Her gaze darted around the apartment. She'd spent the entire morning tidying and decorating, preparing for the onslaught of friends and family. Now, silence. A profound, echoing silence filled the space where laughter and merriment were supposed to be. She needed something to do, anything. Grabbing her keys, she marched towards the door.

Outside, the street seemed brighter, sharper. The usual cacophony of city sounds – the horns, the distant sirens – suddenly felt amplified, intrusive. She needed to move, to go somewhere, anywhere other than back into the hollow shell of her apartment.