Gemotions

The invitation felt flimsy in Amelia’s grip, crumpled even before she tossed it in the trash. *Cancelled.* The word swam before her eyes, blurring the crisp lines of the party details. Her stomach clenched. A low, throbbing ache started behind her eyes, a prelude to a headache. She kicked the wastebasket across the kitchen floor, the metallic clang echoing in the suddenly too-quiet space. This wasn’t fair.

She stalked through the house, each step heavy, the floorboards groaning under her weight. Outside, the world seemed to hum with an irritating cheerfulness. Sunshine spilled across the lawn, making the green grass seem an unnatural, taunting vibrant hue. She slammed the back door, the glass rattling in its frame, and retreated back inside, the shadows offering a meager comfort.

Later, she found herself at the grocery store, the fluorescent lights of the produce section grating on her nerves. She picked up a carton of eggs, then slammed it back down with unnecessary force, the cardboard ripping slightly. The old woman behind her flinched. Amelia relished the small, fleeting moment of unease she’d caused.