Gemotions

The embossed invitation felt like a physical weight in Amelia's hand. "Come celebrate fifteen years since graduating!" it proclaimed in overly enthusiastic script. She tossed it onto the kitchen counter, the sound sharp against the otherwise quiet morning. The house, neat and tidy, mocked her. Another perfectly curated life, just like the lives of the people who’d be attending the reunion.

A tremor went through her as she thought of Sarah, already a celebrated doctor, and Mark, who’d inherited his father's company. Amelia, meanwhile, was… well, she was still managing the pet store. She crumpled the invitation in her fist. The sharp edges dug into her palm.

She poured a cup of lukewarm coffee, the steam doing little to warm her. The reflection in the window showed a face etched with lines she didn't remember acquiring. She felt the sudden urge to smash something.