Gemotions

The pizzeria’s fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, illuminating the rejected flyers scattered across Amelia's kitchen table. Her friend, Chloe, had called, a hesitant tremor in her voice as she explained the cancellation of their surprise birthday bash for Liam. Amelia hadn't even let her finish before she'd felt the knot tighten in her gut.

She pictured Liam's usual smile, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed. She understood the effort, the planning, the building of anticipation – only to have it evaporate. Amelia understood the ache in Chloe’s voice. She’d been there.

Her fingers traced the outline of a pizza box; she made a mental note to call Liam and suggest they order one anyway. She’d bring the birthday candles. Maybe, just maybe, they could still find some joy in the circumstances.