Gemotions

The invitation sat on her kitchen counter, a pristine white card amidst a chaotic pile of bills and takeout menus. Years. It had been years since she last saw Eleanor, since the whispered rumors and the pointed stares at the high school dance. A tremor ran through her, a prickling heat that crawled up her neck. She smoothed the creases in her jeans, checking her reflection in the microwave. Her hair was pulled back too tightly, making her face look gaunt. She picked up the card, the paper cool against her clammy palm. “Please join us for dinner… and reconciliation.” The word felt like a punch to the gut.