Gemotions

The photograph on the invitation seemed to leer at her. Susan felt a cold shiver run down her spine, a familiar sense of inadequacy. She stared, her heart quickening. She wasn't ready.

She pictured them all, her classmates. She thought of all the fears and struggles they might have faced, things they might never show. She closed her eyes, imagining the weight of their own burdens.

A tear rolled down her cheek. She knew it would be difficult, but she also knew she couldn’t simply turn her back on the possibility of making a connection. She had to go.