Gemotions

The invitation sat on Maya's kitchen counter, a bright pink square screaming, "You're Invited!" Sarah's party. At the exact same time, Maya’s own party was scheduled. A pit formed in her stomach. She hadn't even thought to check her friend's schedule before sending out her invites. Now, she felt a profound heaviness.

She ran a hand through her hair, a nervous gesture she'd adopted lately. The thought of confronting Sarah made her palms clammy. She pictured Sarah's face, the inevitable disappointment, and her throat constricted.

Maya considered cancelling her own event, but the caterer was booked, and the deposit was non-refundable. The pressure on her chest intensified. Perhaps she could just pretend to be sick, she thought, the idea momentarily alleviating the suffocating feeling.