Gemotions

The air crackled with energy as I prepared to meet with Ryan. Ryan, the brilliant lawyer, who always had fascinating stories. He'd become this incredible success. Tonight, we were celebrating his latest triumph – a landmark case he'd supposedly won. My chest felt tight with excitement, and I almost tripped over my own feet getting ready.

I arrived at the restaurant, beaming, and saw Ryan seated at a corner table. His shoulders were slumped, and he looked smaller than I remembered.

“Ryan!” I boomed, already anticipating a night of celebration. “Congratulations! I can’t wait to hear all about it!” I could practically feel the congratulations and the praise that were surely headed his way.

He looked up, his face ashen. "I…I need to tell you something…" he said, his voice barely audible.

The excitement in my chest receded, replaced by a cold dread.