Gemotions

The doorbell rang, jolting Emily from her stupor. She peered through the peephole, recognizing the mail carrier. With a sigh that deflated her, she opened the door, accepting the pile of envelopes.

Her fingers traced the familiar logo of her high school on one of them. She barely registered it. She dragged herself back inside, the weight of the mail mirroring the weight in her heart.

Later, she found herself staring out the window, the bustling street below appearing far removed. She imagined the reunion, the forced smiles, the superficial conversations. A coldness settled in her stomach at the prospect.