Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the community center, mirroring the storm brewing inside Maya. She'd been so excited, meticulously planning every detail of Mrs. Gable’s surprise 80th. Now, the phone call. Cancelled. The woman who’d called, Sarah, had sounded mortified. Maya felt a clench in her chest for Sarah – having to deliver such disappointing news must have been brutal.

She pictured Mrs. Gable’s face – the disappointment, the confusion. Maya ran a hand over the stack of colorful balloons, deflating slightly with each passing second. She imagined Sarah, probably feeling a similar ache of sadness, perhaps even questioning if she'd done something to deserve the bad news.

“It's okay,” Maya said softly into the echoing hall, her voice barely a whisper. “It’s alright.” She knew the effort that went into these things. She picked up a wilted crepe paper streamer and straightened it, a small act of solidarity. Maybe Sarah needed a hug.