Gemotions

He stood in the middle of his kitchen, the half-baked cake batter forgotten on the counter. His friend, Marcus, had been so excited about his annual board game night. And then, a Facebook event notification popped up: *Marcus's Birthday Bonanza!* The same date, the same time.

A cold dread crept up his spine. He reread the invitation. Every detail, from the suggested dress code to the promises of pizza, seemed to mock him. A wave of heat washed over him.

He felt paralyzed, unable to move or think clearly. This was...unforeseen. He had already purchased new dice and organized the snacks. He’d even bought a special edition game he thought Marcus would love.

His hands shook as he reached for his phone, unsure who to text first, how to explain this colossal, social blunder. The kitchen seemed to shrink, the silence amplifying the thudding of his heart.