Gemotions

The tiny, flickering candle flame danced in Sarah’s peripheral vision as she scrolled through her emails, looking for a shipping confirmation. Suddenly, a new message popped up, the subject line screaming “Party Cancellation – Please Read!” Her stomach dropped. She knew, before she even clicked it, what it would say. Confirmation that the surprise for her dearest friend, Emily, was off. Sarah felt a pang in her chest, a sudden need to shield someone from hurt.

She sat straighter, her back stiffening. Emily needed this. She'd been working so hard, juggling two jobs and caring for her ailing mother. The planned party was meant to be a release, a moment of joy. Now, taken away.

Sarah didn’t even bother reading the explanation email. Instead, she rose from her chair, a new resolve hardening her gaze. Grabbing her coat, she decided she would still see Emily tonight. And, perhaps, there was a way to make tonight not a waste.