Gemotions

The invitation felt like a physical blow against Maria's already delicate composure. She had a new life, a new identity. The past felt like a phantom limb, sometimes aching, often forgotten, always a part of her. It made her uncomfortable and she pushed it away.

Her breath hitched in her throat. She found herself clutching her chest. She wondered what they would think of her, of the choices she'd made. Would they see the real her? Or just the girl who was trying to be someone else.

She walked over to the mirror. The woman staring back at her looked exhausted. She traced the fine lines around her eyes, a map of the years, of the battles fought and won, and the battles that were lost. A tiny, imperceptible tremor began in her jaw.