Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window as Michael slumped onto the park bench. He was supposed to be celebrating, laughing with friends, surrounded by a mountain of pizza. Instead, a single, soggy hot dog was his company. The cancellation text, sent by a friend he’d always considered reliable, still burned in his pocket. He dug his nails into the worn wood, feeling a visceral discontent spread through him like ice. He wanted to scream. Instead, he just stared at the empty swings, a playground for a party that would never be.