Gemotions

The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the living room, making the faces of the guests seem like unsettling masks. Sarah checked her watch again. Ten minutes past the hour. A bead of sweat traced a path down her temple. Where was everyone? She’d poured hours into the decorations, the cake, the guest list. A knot tightened in her stomach. A text message flashed on her phone: "Bad news. The surprise is off."

The world seemed to tilt. The colorful balloons, once symbols of celebration, now seemed mocking. She felt a coldness creep into her fingers and toes, as if the party itself was actively rejecting her. Her carefully constructed smile faltered, replaced by a rigid mask of bewilderment.