Gemotions

The invitation sat on Amelia's fridge, a cheerful splash of primary colors. Liam's party. Laser tag and pizza. She stared at it, the fluorescent light of the kitchen reflecting in her wide, vacant eyes. The date was circled in a frantic, hurried scribble. It was the same day. Her own birthday.

Amelia slammed the fridge door shut, the sound echoing in the silent apartment. She didn't want a party. She hadn't wanted one for years. But her mother had insisted. Now, she had a choice to make, a decision that felt heavier than the world.

She poured herself a glass of water, the ice clinking in the silence. The water tasted metallic, like it always did when she felt like this. A long sigh escaped her, a puff of air that seemed to carry the weight of the upcoming day with it.