Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down Sarah’s temple as she stared at the invitation. The glossy photograph of her younger, more carefree self, grinning widely, felt like a taunt. Her palms were slick against the cool glass of her phone as she reread the date. Next month.

She closed her eyes, picturing the faces of her classmates, the popular kids, the ones she had secretly envied. A wave of heat washed over her, making her flush. She wished she could fast forward through it all.

Her phone buzzed, a notification. She jumped, her heart thudding against her ribs. She was on edge, like a tightly wound spring. She needed to focus on work. She tried, but the image of the reunion, the scrutiny, the potential awkward conversations, kept intruding on her thoughts.