Gemotions

The confetti cannon felt almost light enough to lift him off his feet as he skipped down the sidewalk, humming a jaunty tune. He’d practically vibrated with anticipation all week, picturing the faces of his friends when they saw the banner. Today was the day! He pounded on the door, already imagining the chorus of “Surprise!” that would soon fill the air. His hand froze mid-air. The house was dark.

A wave of confusion washed over him. Surely they were just hiding? He bounced on the balls of his feet, peering through the living room window. Empty. No balloons, no streamers, no anything. His smile slowly flattened. He pulled out his phone, his thumb hovering over the group chat. A single message, from his best friend, stared back at him: "Hey, something came up. Party's off."

The world seemed to lose its color. He slumped against the door, the confetti cannon suddenly feeling like a lead weight in his hand.