Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from the kitchen, a welcome symphony as Amelia bounced down the hallway. She hummed a little tune, the melody bubbling up from deep within. The house felt warm and inviting, sunlight streaming through the windows and illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She’d been anticipating this all week, the culmination of carefully laid plans.

A text message pinged on her phone. Her fingers, itching with anticipation, fumbled as she unlocked the screen. The message was from Sarah. Her smile faltered.

“Party’s off. Something came up. So sorry!”

Amelia's breath hitched. A wave of ice flooded her stomach, the cheerful lightness vanishing like mist in the morning sun. She slumped against the wall, the phone slipping from her numb fingers.