Gemotions

The annual family reunion loomed, a yearly ritual she had always enjoyed. Now, the thought of it made her stomach churn. She pictured the familiar faces, the awkward small talk, the carefully constructed facade of familial harmony. How could she possibly face them now, knowing that she was an imposter? She felt a tightening in her chest, a sensation like being squeezed in a vise. She had started to avoid calls from her cousins, pretending to be busy. The invitations sat on the counter, a constant, unwanted reminder.