Gemotions

The return address on the envelope burned a hole in Alice’s palm. She ripped the invitation open, her fingers trembling. The words on the page seemed to vibrate, as if alive, mocking her.

She scanned the list of attendees, her eyes darting from name to name, searching for threats. She felt a cold trickle down her spine as she recognized one particular name, and she felt the blood drain from her face.

Her breath came in shallow gasps. She had to get away, hide, disappear. She started packing a bag, stuffing it with essentials. She’d need to get off the grid. She looked toward the window.