Gemotions

The doorbell rang, startling Ben. He’d been anticipating the arrival of his friends, ready for the surprise. Instead, it was his neighbour, delivering a hastily scrawled note: "Party off. Sorry! Something came up." He crumpled the note in his hand. A cold wave washed over him. He felt as though someone had removed the sun from the sky.

He walked through the house, the empty rooms amplifying the silence. The music he’d prepared was gathering dust on the speakers. The food he’d arranged was ready to be eaten by no one. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands. He felt a deep ache in his chest, a heavy weight that settled with each breath.

He kicked at the rug, sending it sliding across the floor.