Gemotions

He found himself pacing the worn wooden planks of his apartment floor. Rain hammered against the window, mirroring the relentless drumming in his head. Another Friday night, another cancellation. This time, it was a "family emergency." He ran a hand through his already dishevelled hair.

He scrolled through the endless dating app profiles, each face blurred by a growing sense of futility. All the effort, the witty opening lines, the carefully chosen first date locations… all for this emptiness. He slumped onto the sofa, the cushions offering no comfort.

His doorbell rang, a sharp, unwelcome sound. He hesitated, then opened the door. A woman, her face a mask of weary frustration, stood there, a bouquet of wilting lilies clutched in her hand. "He stood me up too," she said, her voice flat. He stared at the flowers, a sick feeling blooming in his stomach.