Gemotions

"No, no, no," Mark muttered, clutching his phone. The text message – “Party’s off. Sorry, bro.” – burned in his pocket. He was supposed to be celebrating his graduation with all his friends, a final hurrah before he moved across the country. The venue was booked, the band hired, the guest list meticulously curated. Now, all of it was dust. He slumped against the wall of the coffee shop, the sudden quiet of the place amplifying the deafening roar in his ears.

He ran a hand through his hair, mussing it until it stood on end. He felt a pressure building behind his eyes, a sensation like a dam about to burst. He'd even bought a new tie! What a waste. He envisioned himself alone, moving, with no one to celebrate this big milestone with. He wanted to scream.

He kicked at a pebble on the pavement, sending it skittering across the concrete.