Gemotions

The invitation sat on the kitchen counter, pristine and accusing. *Surprise!* it proclaimed in bubbly lettering. A wave of heat washed over Amelia, a prickling sensation under her skin. She grabbed the phone, fingers fumbling with the numbers. Her best friend, Sarah, answered after the third ring. “Hey, so… the party? It’s, uh, off.” Sarah’s voice sounded far away, almost apologetic. Amelia’s breath hitched. She pictured the decorations, the cake, the friends she’d been so eager to see. The idea of all of it disappearing felt like a sudden, sharp fall. She hung up, staring at the invitation as if it were a venomous snake, the cheerful colors now grating on her.