Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked cupcakes filled Amelia’s kitchen, a scent usually associated with happiness. Today, however, it only amplified the unease swirling inside her. Leo, her longtime friend, was throwing a pool party, complete with a DJ and a bouncy castle. Amelia’s birthday celebration, a low-key board game night, suddenly seemed incredibly…underwhelming.

She pictured Leo, beaming, surrounded by boisterous laughter and splashing water. Her own party, with its subdued chatter and gentle clinking of game pieces, felt…wrong. Almost selfish.

Amelia’s fingers tightened around her phone as she contemplated texting Leo. He would be so crushed if she didn't attend. She imagined the look of hurt on his face, the slow fading of his smile. She couldn’t do that to him. With a sigh, Amelia began composing a message: “Sounds like a blast! Sorry, can’t make it. Have an amazing time!”