Gemotions

He whistled as he put the final touches on the enormous cake he’d baked himself. This was it: his thirty-something birthday. He’d gone all-in on the theme: a masquerade ball. He straightened, beaming at his reflection in the oven door. Every detail was just so.

A wave of euphoria washed over him. He felt as if he could leap over the moon. The house was adorned with twinkling fairy lights and velvet drapes. The champagne was chilling, the guest list was impressive, and he couldn't wait.

He picked up the phone to call the caterers one last time, his fingers practically dancing across the screen. "Perfect! This is all... just... brilliant," he said into the phone, his voice filled with delight.