Gemotions

The invitation sat on the dashboard of her car, a constant, unwelcome presence. Amelia stared at it, the words "Fifteen Year Reunion" blurring through a film of tears. The engine idled, humming a monotonous tune.

She was late to pick up her son from soccer practice, again. She felt a familiar pressure in her temples, a tightening in her jaw. She had to rush from one commitment to another, feeling the relentless demands of her life like invisible chains.

She gripped the steering wheel so hard her knuckles turned white. The thought of the reunion, of pretending everything was perfect, filled her with a profound weariness. She was exhausted.