Gemotions

The invitation felt heavy in Maya’s hand, a physical weight that seemed to mirror the turmoil in her gut. Liam's party. Laser tag. All the things she loved. But then, there was the competing invitation, shimmering with gold foil, from Chloe: a spa day, a fancy restaurant. Maya’s brow furrowed. She chewed on her lip, staring at the competing rectangles of paper, each a stark choice.

Her palms were clammy. She pulled at the loose threads of her jeans. She pictured Liam’s face falling, the disappointment clouding his usual sunny expression. He had been so excited about this.

“What am I going to do?” she muttered, the question swallowed by the silent apartment. Her chest felt constricted. The thought of hurting either friend was almost unbearable.