Gemotions

"Hello?" whispered Marcus, pushing open the door to his apartment. He was greeted by a deafening silence. The apartment was spotless. He had expected to walk in on a room full of people.

His gaze flickered over the clean space. The cake, the decorations, the gifts, the friends, the family. They were all supposed to be here. A knot formed in his stomach. He'd dreamed of this day for months.

He texted his brother, the supposed mastermind. The reply was curt: *Cancelled. Something came up.* The words felt like a punch to the gut. He sank onto the couch, the air suddenly thick and hard to breathe. He wanted to sit and wallow in this, but what was the point now?