Gemotions

The balloons bobbed gently, awaiting the arrival of guests. Amelia’s princess-themed party was meticulously planned, down to the last tiara. But she knew. Her rival, Sophia, was throwing a pool party. Same day, same time.

Amelia’s carefully constructed facade of cheerfulness cracked. She felt a strange tightness in her chest, a physical manifestation of her discomfort. She kept fiddling with the ribbons on the gift bags, her fingers clumsy and useless.

She heard a car pull up outside, and her breath hitched. Her mother called from the doorway. She attempted to smile but couldn't quite reach her eyes. She hoped her guests wouldn't notice.