Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of Maya's tiny apartment, mirroring the storm brewing inside her. Liam, her best friend, was throwing a raucous bash at a rented bar. Meanwhile, Maya was hosting a quiet evening in, a board game night. She'd already sent out the invites, crafted them by hand, filled with whimsical drawings. Now, the pang of guilt twisted in her stomach. She knew Liam craved a huge celebration, something she couldn't offer, not this year.

She stared at the clock. Tick. Tock. Each second felt heavy. A notification popped up on her phone: Liam's party photos had started to flood social media. She scrolled through the images, a small smile playing on her lips seeing him beaming. A sudden thought struck her.

Grabbing her phone and a coat, she headed out, despite the weather. She ended up at a small bakery, buying a box of Liam's favorite pastries. They wouldn't be much, but she hoped they might make him feel a bit less alone. Walking towards the bar, her steps quickened.