Gemotions

The cream-colored envelope landed on the doormat, a stark contrast to the worn linoleum. Sarah dragged herself over, the weight of the day, of the past decade, pressing down on her shoulders. She barely glanced at the return address before slitting it open.

Inside, a glossy card announced the impending doom: the ten-year reunion. A sigh escaped her, a sound almost as deflated as her posture. Another obligation. Another performance.

The thought of pulling herself together, of feigning enthusiasm for a room full of people she hadn't seen – or wanted to see – in years, made her want to retreat under the covers.