Gemotions

The dented car door slammed with a resounding clang that echoed down the suburban street. Mark kicked at a loose stone, sending it skittering across the perfectly manicured lawn. His sister's graduation party was in full swing, a saccharine display of family unity that made his skin crawl.

He pushed through the chattering crowd, the forced smiles and air kisses grating on his nerves. The smell of barbecue and cheap perfume assaulted his nostrils. He needed space, air, anything to get away from the suffocating atmosphere.

His mother cornered him by the patio doors, her eyes sparkling with unwelcome affection. "Are you enjoying yourself, dear?" she chirped. He mumbled a noncommittal response, wanting nothing more than to disappear. He abruptly excused himself, heading for the edge of the property, where he smoked a cigarette.