Gemotions

He stared at the calendar, its squares mocking him with their inflexibility. Mark's pool party: the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. Then there was the surprise party for his sister, which involved a huge amount of secret preparation. Josh slumped back in his chair, a sudden weariness washing over him.

His breath hitched. He closed his eyes, picturing both parties, each with its own set of expectations. He felt squeezed, cornered. The world seemed to be closing in.

He rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the throbbing that had begun there. He felt a desperate urge to run, to escape the impossible choice.