Gemotions

“Reunion,” Grace muttered, the word tasting like ash in her mouth. She clutched the invitation so hard her knuckles turned white. It had been years since she'd allowed herself to be around people.

She lived alone, surrounded by books and silence. Her apartment was small, the rent barely affordable. Every day was a struggle. Every day was a reminder.

She imagined the conversations, the questions, the pitying looks. She knew she’d be an embarrassment. She sighed, her shoulders slumping. She was just going to stay home.