Gemotions

The car ride had been a cacophony of sing-alongs and exaggerated air guitar. He couldn't stop grinning, his shoulders bouncing with every bump in the road. He felt like he could take on the world, maybe even single-handedly rebuild the Golden Gate Bridge. His stomach rumbled with anticipation, not for food, but for the sheer delight of the night to come.

He leaped out of the car as soon as they parked, already planning his grand entrance. But the house was silent, the porch light dim. He raced to the front door, shouting, "Hello! Is everyone ready?"

The door opened, and his best friend emerged with a stricken look on his face. "Hey... listen," he began, his voice barely a whisper. "We can't..." He trailed off, avoiding eye contact. The energy drained from him, like a punctured tire.