Gemotions

The invitation sat on Amelia's desk, a cheerful splash of color mocking her. “Surprise! Celebrating You!” it declared. She sighed, tracing the embossed lettering with a listless finger. The phone call had come earlier that morning, a hesitant voice on the other end, explaining a scheduling conflict, a change of plans. Amelia now felt heavy, like her bones were filled with sand. She shoved the card back into its envelope, the crisp edges of the paper offering no comfort. Her afternoon stretched ahead, a vast and empty desert.