Gemotions

The invitation sat gleaming on Amelia's countertop, a shimmering testament to the night ahead. Tonight! Tonight, everyone would be there. They’d sing and laugh, and there would be cake, so much cake! Amelia bounced on the balls of her feet, her hands clasped tightly in front of her chest. She couldn't stop grinning. It felt like her heart was doing somersaults inside her ribcage. A low, melodic hum escaped her lips as she skipped towards the phone, itching to call her best friend, Sarah, and triple-check the decorations.

The phone rang, and it was Sarah. “Amelia? Hey, listen…” Sarah’s voice, usually a bubbly stream of chatter, was flat. Amelia's smile faltered, just for a moment, then she shrugged it off. A small, anxious feeling took hold.

"What's wrong?" Amelia asked, her voice now a little strained. Sarah's next words shattered the fragile bubble of anticipation that had been building inside her, and that feeling vanished in a puff of smoke.