Gemotions

The invitation, a garish splash of color and nostalgia, sat on top of the pile of unread magazines. Maria stared at it, a dull ache behind her eyes. It was going to be a lot of *effort.* The thought of socializing, of making small talk, of pretending to be interested, felt draining.

She ran a hand through her hair, the strands catching on her fingers. The air felt thick, heavy with unspoken expectations. She’d been planning to finally tackle that pile of laundry, but even folding a single sock seemed like an epic undertaking.

She reached for the TV remote, her fingers moving slowly, deliberately. The promise of distraction was far more appealing than any reunion.