Gemotions

The invitation sat heavy in Leo's hand, the glossy card stock suddenly feeling like lead. He’d meticulously planned his outfit, a new shirt he’d been saving for just this occasion. He'd even practiced a few witty opening lines, ready to charm everyone. Now, a text message from his best friend, Liam, pulsed on his phone screen: "Party's off, dude. Sorry." His stomach lurched, a cold knot tightening. He dropped the card, the sound a dull thud against the polished wood floor. He scrubbed a hand over his face, a sudden heat flushing his cheeks.

He paced his apartment, each footfall echoing the frantic rhythm in his chest. The silence of the apartment seemed to press in on him. He picked up the phone, then slammed it back down. He needed to know what had happened, why. Liam would be a bad liar, and would blurt out the truth. He chewed on his lip, a familiar, nervous habit. The meticulously curated playlist he'd chosen for the party now felt like an accusation.