Gemotions

The invitation felt warm in Amelia's grasp, a beacon amidst the gray afternoon. It was finally the day. Her friends, bless their crafty hearts, had been planning a surprise for her. A party! A real, actual party, with music and laughter and… well, she didn’t know the specifics, but the anticipation sparkled like champagne bubbles in her mind. Her feet practically danced as she drove towards the address, the car radio humming along to a cheerful tune. She could picture the faces of her loved ones, the joy they'd share. Pulling into the driveway, she smoothed down her dress, took a deep breath, and… the house was dark.

A knot of bewilderment tightened in her chest. She rang the doorbell, a tentative, questioning sound. Silence. Then, the door creaked open, revealing her best friend, Sarah, whose usual bubbly energy seemed subdued. Sarah's eyes met hers, and her face fell. "Amelia, there's something you need to know."