Gemotions

The invitation felt heavy in Elara's hand, like a damp stone. Olivia’s birthday bash, a pool party, planned for the same day as... as *his* party. A groan rumbled in her chest, a low, guttural sound. The last thing she wanted was to choose. To be torn between the friend who’d always been there and… and *him*. She dropped the card onto the cluttered kitchen counter, the paper slapping against a stack of unwashed dishes. Her shoulders slumped, and she rubbed her temples with both hands.

The sunlight streaming through the window seemed too bright, too cheerful. She considered just staying in bed. Pulling the covers back over her head and pretending the day didn’t exist. Maybe call out sick to the world.

A notification chimed from her phone. A group chat invite for Olivia’s party. Sighing, Elara picked up the card, tracing the embossed lettering with a listless finger. It was going to be a long day.