Gemotions

The bass from the music thrummed through Liam's chest, a discordant rhythm against his own simmering resentment. He watched from the balcony, the city lights below mirroring the glittering chaos unfolding within the ballroom. His friend, Ben, was celebrating his birthday in style – a DJ, a dance floor packed with well-dressed people, a seemingly endless supply of champagne. Liam, meanwhile, had planned a simple dinner for a few close friends. It was his birthday too.

He took a long, slow drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling up into the night. The smoke stung his eyes. He felt utterly out of place, a shadow lurking in the periphery of Ben’s dazzling success. He had felt this way for a while, ever since Ben had gotten a promotion and a fancy new car.

He gripped the balcony railing, the cold metal biting into his palms. The air tasted of stale smoke and expensive perfume. He felt the familiar ache of inadequacy, a feeling that had settled deep within him. He was a spectator, watching someone else live a life that seemed impossibly out of reach.