Gemotions

Liam fidgeted with the napkin, twisting it into a tight, damp rope. His palms were slick. He could feel the eyes of the other partygoers, not necessarily on him, but he imagined them there, dissecting him.

He’d booked the roller rink, a bold move, he’d thought. Now, the echoing music felt like an impending threat. Leo’s party, same day. He couldn't shake the feeling of being exposed.

He watched the kids zooming past, their laughter a cacophony. He felt a desperate urge to run, to disappear into the anonymity of the crowd. He clutched his own birthday cake, a clumsy, store-bought thing. He imagined Leo's cake being more impressive.

He took a shaky breath, forcing a smile. He saw Leo across the rink, surrounded by a gaggle of friends. His own throat constricted. Maybe he could slip out unnoticed.