Gemotions

The moment Emily saw the envelope, her pulse quickened. She set it on the table, then walked away. Then she walked back. The glossy surface of the invitation seemed to reflect her own anxious face. She knew she had to open it, to know what was in it. She finally did.

She grabbed a glass of water and went to the back yard, sitting on the porch swing. She kept catching her breath, as if she were surprised to be breathing. She swatted at the air, as if it was full of gnats.

The memories flooded back, the good and the bad. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the images. It was useless.