Gemotions

The tiny string of paper cranes, a labor of love, looked pathetic spread across the dining room table. For months, Maya had planned a simple dinner party. She and Chloe were the best of friends, and Chloe's birthday was on the same day. Then, the announcement came: Chloe was hosting a surprise gala at the town's community center.

Maya had wanted a quiet, intimate evening. Now, the thought of actually following through with her plans made her feel physically ill. She couldn't stop pacing, her feet making small, frantic circles on the floor.

"Maybe… maybe I should just cancel," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She bit her lip, a habit she'd developed when under pressure. She reached for her phone, intending to send a message, but then stopped, frozen.