Gemotions

He had been so certain, so confident in his grand plan. A surprise karaoke night, complete with a disco ball and a playlist curated with love. Then, the text. *“You’re invited to a masquerade ball in honor of Daniel's birthday.”* The date was the same. A strange hollowness opened in his stomach. He felt his face flush.

He glanced at his reflection in the window, his expression blank. The karaoke night, now felt… inadequate. He ran his hand over the stubble of his beard. He'd never considered this.

"Well, that's just fantastic," he finally said, the words catching in his throat.