Gemotions

He had the tickets in his pocket. The tickets for the concert, he and Mark had looked forward to it all year. Then came the invitation from Chloe. A black-tie gala, exactly the type of event Michael had always dreamed of attending. He’d already bought a new suit.

His pulse hammered in his ears as he made a quick excuse to Mark. “Something came up,” he’d stammered, avoiding eye contact. Mark’s silence felt heavy, a tangible weight in the room.

Later, as he buttoned his new jacket, a wave of nausea washed over him. The expensive fabric felt constricting, and the glittering ballroom felt claustrophobic. The music, though beautiful, sounded flat. He kept seeing Mark's face, the disappointment etched into his features.