Gemotions

He’d spent the entire morning humming, whistling a jaunty tune under his breath while he prepared for the evening. Thomas adjusted his tie in the reflection of the shop window, a grin plastered across his face. Tonight was the night. He'd been looking forward to seeing everyone.

He found himself outside the rented venue, the air thick with the scent of anticipation. Thomas practically skipped inside, eager to greet his friends. He stopped dead. The space was barren, chairs stacked, the tables bare.

A single balloon lay deflated in the corner, a sad testament to a party that would not be. He chuckled softly. A wave of lightness spread through him, and he allowed himself a private smirk. Freedom.