Gemotions

The invitations were printed, the cake ordered, the decorations already bought. But the closer it got to the day, the more Mark wanted to just hide. He and Jason, friends since childhood, had inadvertently chosen the same date to celebrate their birthdays. Jason’s party promised a loud and extravagant night, whereas Mark planned a movie marathon.

He chewed at his thumbnail, feeling a pressure building behind his eyes. He sat at the kitchen table, staring blankly ahead. He could barely breathe.

He should be excited, but instead, he felt a strange sense of dread. He considered cancelling his party, but the thought of disappointing his friends was even worse. He sighed and went to the window, the image of his birthday party becoming a distant nightmare.