Gemotions

The florist's delivery arrived, a vibrant bouquet of lilies and roses. Then came the text. "Party at the beach! Be there or be square! - Ben." Mark crumpled the expensive card he was holding, the delicate paper ripping in his hands. He tossed it aside.

He’d booked a private dinner for his parents' anniversary. He’d made reservations, hired a band, and arranged a surprise video montage. Ben, in his usual thoughtless fashion, had scheduled his party for the very same evening. Mark wanted to smash something.

He paced his living room, his steps quick and erratic. The music from his planned event felt hollow. The joy evaporated. He grabbed his phone and scrolled through his contacts, a sudden urge to call and cancel the entire dinner, overwhelming him.