Gemotions

John bounced down the street, whistling loudly, each step light as a feather. He imagined the scene later that evening: the laughter, the music, the warm glow of the fairy lights strung across the backyard. He'd spent the entire week planning the event, making sure everything was perfect, down to the last detail. He just knew the evening was going to be magic.

He nearly tripped over his own feet when he saw the single, glaring text. The words, so concise, so unexpected, knocked the wind out of him. The cancellation. A wave of ice crashed over him, a stark contrast to the earlier warmth. He stood frozen, the vibrant hues of the park suddenly muted. He slowly slid to the ground, the sidewalk suddenly hard, unforgiving.