Gemotions

The ballroom glittered. It was everything Leo had ever dreamed of, a lavish celebration for his eighteenth. Yet, he stood frozen by the entrance, his hand hovering over the doorknob. His friend, Alex, was having a more casual party at the skate park, on the same night.

His breath came in shallow, rapid pants. He fiddled with the cufflink on his crisp white shirt, his fingers suddenly clumsy. He imagined the judging eyes of the other guests, the inevitable comparison between his expensive affair and Alex's more easygoing celebration. It was like his insides were made of ice.

He glanced at his mother, beaming at him from across the room. She’d spent so much money. He couldn’t let her down. But the anticipation of humiliation, of a half-empty ballroom, made him want to bolt.