Gemotions

She slammed the kitchen cabinet shut, the force of it reverberating through the small apartment. The invitation lay on the counter, mocking her with its promises of nostalgia and connection. She glanced at it, then quickly looked away, as if its presence burned her. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach.

She grabbed a mug and poured herself a cup of coffee. The steam did little to warm her. She didn't want to go, didn't want to see them. She hated everything about it. What was the point?

She imagined the conversations, the forced smiles, the inevitable comparisons. She wanted to scream. Instead, she stared out the window, the city lights blurred and indistinct, like the future felt.