Gemotions

"More coffee?" Mrs. Gable's voice was sharp. Julia flinched, even though the tone was perfectly neutral. The afternoon sun, streaming through the window of the tea shop, seemed to spotlight the dust motes dancing in the air. She fiddled with the sugar packet, avoiding eye contact. A letter sat on the table. She had spent the last hour staring at the envelope, its delicate script taunting her.

It was from her former best friend, Chloe, the girl she had once betrayed in a fit of teenage jealousy. The betrayal she deeply regretted. The words on the page described the hurt, the lasting damage. Julia felt heat rush to her face. She closed her eyes.