Gemotions

The playlist of party songs, carefully curated for Liam’s surprise, now seemed to taunt me from my laptop. The cancellation email had hit me hard. I’d seen how much Liam had been struggling lately, and this party, the joy of it, was supposed to be a bright spot.

I imagined Liam’s disappointment, the way the cancellation would add another layer to his already complex emotions. I pictured the emptiness he must have been feeling in that moment. I knew those feelings of sadness and disappointment.

I turned off the music, the silence amplifying the echo of the day's events. I knew it. I picked up my phone, composing a message. I had to say something. I had to let him know I was there.