Gemotions

"Whoa," Mark breathed, staring at the carnival set up in the park. His jaw dropped. His friend, Alex, had a full-blown carnival for his birthday. Games, rides, food stalls—everything. It was a riot of color and sound. He’d envisioned a simple barbecue with his family.

He stood frozen in place, watching kids squeal with laughter on the Ferris wheel. The aroma of popcorn and cotton candy hung in the air, thick and sweet. His heart hammered against his ribs. It felt as if a thousand tiny, excited butterflies were trapped inside of him.

He fumbled with his invitation, the paper feeling flimsy in his suddenly sweaty hands. He spotted Alex, grinning broadly as he won a giant stuffed panda. Mark knew his own party would never measure up.