Gemotions

She circled the date on her calendar with a thick, red marker, almost savagely. A frown settled on her face. Her hand was shaking as she held it above the invitation, as if it was a weapon.

The memories flooded back. The crushing insecurities, the relentless competition, the suffocating pressure to fit in. She remembered feeling like an outsider, always watching from the sidelines.

A small smile played on her lips. She would not be attending. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction. The sheer joy of skipping their silly social gathering made her feel a surge of contentment.