Gemotions

"Another one?" Ben said, staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. The reflection seemed to mock him. His jaw was clenched, his shoulders hunched. The contrast between his party – a quiet board game night at his flat – and Oliver's – a massive concert at the local stadium – was too stark to ignore.

He splashed cold water on his face, but the coolness didn't penetrate the gloom that surrounded him. He knew he should be getting ready, preparing snacks, but the energy just wasn't there.

His phone buzzed with an RSVP confirmation. Just one more added to the list. He wasn't even interested in his own choices anymore. He wished he could just shut off the world and sleep until the whole weekend was over.

He closed his eyes. The sounds of the stadium, the cheering, the music, swirled around in his mind, and he felt a pang.