Gemotions

A muscle in her jaw was twitching. The invitation, now crumpled in her hand, mocked her. She had spent weeks organizing every detail, and now, it seemed, all her hard work would be in vain. Her friend, Susan, was having a party. On the same day.

She walked to the kitchen and grabbed a glass, the coldness offering little relief. She poured herself some water, but her thirst had not been quenched. The idea of a divided guest list, of overshadowed celebrations, created a knot in her stomach.

She slammed the glass down on the counter, the sound sharp and sudden. She needed to take a walk, to clear her head. But before she could move, the phone rang, the unexpected noise making her jump.