Gemotions

Rain hammered against the window, mirroring the relentless drumming in Ethan’s chest. He stared at the calendar, his own birthday circled in a stark black marker, directly under a similar circle marking Ben's. Ben, gone too soon. Ethan clenched his fists. The party, a hastily arranged gathering at a quiet pub, felt like a hollow gesture.

The phone rang, a cheery jingle that grated on his nerves. It was Maya, reminding him about the cake she’d ordered. “Ethan, are you still planning on the chocolate fudge with the candles?” he heard her ask. Ethan had promised her he would.

He cleared his throat. “Yeah, Maya. I’m… still on.” He hated the way his voice cracked. He felt the phantom weight of Ben beside him, a weight both crushing and comforting. As he hung up the phone, he buried his face in his hands.