Gemotions

The pastel balloons, the matching tablecloths, the perfectly themed cupcakes – it all felt like a cage. Mark hated his cousin’s birthday parties. He wanted to scream. He was going to spend the entire afternoon at the local comic book store, browsing graphic novels and trading cards.

He could feel his grandmother’s disapproving gaze already. But he didn’t care. His grandfather, though? He would understand. He’d probably sneak out with him. He loved video games.

Mark took a deep breath. His heart was hammering a steady rhythm of liberation. He checked his phone. His mom had texted, 'Be on your best behavior.' He switched it off and walked out the door.