Gemotions

The moment Emily saw the familiar crest, her heart hammered against her ribs. Reunion. The word itself felt like a threat. She slammed the envelope onto the counter, her hands shaking.

The memories, unwanted and unwelcome, flooded back. The years of feeling inadequate, of being on the outside looking in. She gripped the edge of the counter, fighting back a wave of nausea.

She pictured them all, the popular girls, the jocks, the ones who seemed to have it all figured out. She felt a familiar tightness in her chest, a knot of fear and anxiety. What would they say? What would they think? She wasn't ready.