Gemotions

The email announcing Emily’s Hawaiian Luau landed in Jessica's inbox with a resounding thud. Her own, carefully planned, afternoon tea was looking rather underwhelming. She’d chosen a delicate floral theme, with finger sandwiches and cucumber water.

She took a deep breath, and then another. Her hands started to tremble as she considered the logistical nightmare she'd have to deal with. Emily’s party, with its promised flaming torches and hula dancers, was clearly the more exciting option. Jessica began to feel a deep ache in her stomach.

She spent the following days in a fugue state, her replies to Emily’s texts short and clipped. On the day of her own party, she pretended to be sick, and stayed in bed, pulling the covers over her head.