Gemotions

The invitation sat on Amelia's fridge, a gleaming beacon of potential disaster. Leo's party, a lavish affair with a live band and a catered buffet, was scheduled for the same Saturday as hers. A small gathering at a local park, picnics and frisbees. Her stomach churned just looking at the glossy card.

She kept re-reading the RSVP section. Could she un-invite people to her own event? Her fingers fidgeted, tapping a nervous rhythm on the counter. The park felt less appealing suddenly, suddenly insignificant.

Amelia glanced out the window, at the patchy grass and the tired swing set. Leo's party would be glamorous, loud, and full of people. She felt a tightening in her chest, a knot forming with each passing second. The carefully crafted guest list for her party felt like a collection of forgotten dreams.