Gemotions

"We have to cancel." The words, spoken by the party planner, hung in the air, heavy and poisonous. He'd sunk all his money into this, believing in the joy it would bring him. Now, that joy was a distant, unreachable memory. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady, but it betrayed him, cracking slightly.

He ran a hand through his hair, mussing it up. The carefully chosen venue, the lavish decorations, the elaborate menu – all felt like a cruel joke. He had to say something. But what? The words caught in his throat. He felt the blood draining from his face, leaving him feeling lightheaded and fragile. He wanted to go home and just lie down.