Gemotions

The embossed invitation felt slick and judgmental between Amelia’s fingers. “Willow Creek High, Class of ’04: Fifteen Year Reunion.” She tossed it onto the kitchen counter, the metallic ink catching the morning sun. Her coffee suddenly tasted like ash.

She glared at the picture on the invitation – a smiling, airbrushed composite of her graduating class. There was Chad, the quarterback, beaming right back at her. And Tiffany, her arch-nemesis, looking impossibly youthful. A tremor went through her.

Amelia grabbed a pen and, without a second thought, viciously scribbled "Declined" across the RSVP card, stabbing at the paper. Then she threw the entire packet into the recycling bin, a small, tight smile playing at her lips.