Gemotions

Eliza’s palms were clammy as she surveyed the scene in her backyard: fairy lights, a bonfire, and a carefully curated playlist of indie-folk. Across town, her friend Chloe was hosting a club night. Eliza was thrilled about her rustic gathering. Chloe was going all out, renting a venue and hiring a DJ.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the oak tree in her yard. Eliza knew that Chloe was the social butterfly of the pair. This party was the antithesis of the one that she was putting on. A wave of empathy washed over her.

She excused herself from chatting with her guests. She ducked inside, and grabbed her phone, sending a text. "Hey, you having fun?" A few minutes later, Chloe responded: "OMG, it's AMAZING! Wish you were here!" A sudden, spontaneous idea blossomed in her mind.

Eliza grabbed a small basket, and filled it with homemade cookies, a bottle of sparkling cider, and a handwritten card. She left her own party to drive to Chloe's venue. At the door, she gave Chloe a hug, then quietly slipped the basket to the staff to hand out.