Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. For Laura, though, the room felt airless, the invitation a lead weight in her pocket.

She found herself obsessively cleaning her apartment, scrubbing surfaces until they gleamed, as if trying to wash away the stains of her past. She jumped at every sound, as if someone was there to accuse her.

She had been a different person then, reckless and cruel. Seeing them again would be unbearable. She thought about cancelling her RSVP, and then cancelling her life.