Gemotions

He sat on the park bench, the setting sun casting long shadows. Across the street, the venue for his party. The very same day as Jamie's. His hands were clasped so tightly they ached.

The laughter of children playing nearby was almost unbearable. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the sounds, the sights, the world. He felt a deep sense of betrayal, of unfairness.

He stood abruptly, his legs shaky. He had to decide what to do. His own excitement had evaporated, replaced by a cold, numbing dread. Every movement felt clumsy and wrong.