Gemotions

The doorbell rang, not once, but repeatedly. Liam threw open the door, expecting a horde of well-wishers and the joyous chaos he'd anticipated. Only the delivery guy stood there, his face apologetic. "They're not coming," he stammered, handing Liam the canceled cake order. "Venue had a problem."

Liam slammed the door, his heart hammering against his ribs. The festive music he'd chosen now sounded hollow and mocking. He ripped off his party hat, the silly paper ripping under his frantic fingers. His carefully chosen outfit suddenly felt like a costume, a cruel mockery of what was supposed to be. He kicked a chair across the room in frustration.