Gemotions

He found himself staring at the screen, a half-eaten burger forgotten on the desk. A notification pinged, announcing Chloe's birthday party. On the same day as his karaoke night. A vein throbbed in his temple. He’d spent weeks preparing his invites and booking the venue and then this.

“Shoot,” he mumbled, kicking back in his chair, which promptly rocked back against the wall with a loud bang. This was supposed to be his chance to finally impress Sarah. Now it was all a disaster. He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging several strands.

He considered deleting the invite, ignoring it, pretending he hadn't seen it. But that felt… juvenile. He felt a cold knot twisting in his stomach. He clicked the link, the colorful invitation mocking his ambition. His shoulders slumped.