Gemotions

The car radio blasted her favourite song as Jessica drove, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel in time with the beat. She was buzzing with nervous anticipation. Today was her birthday, a day she'd dreamed of for months. A beautiful summer celebration at the beach.

She had spent weeks planning every detail: the venue, a chic beach club; the food, a tantalizing array of seafood delicacies; and the guest list, a carefully selected group of friends. She'd arranged for a DJ, and even booked a photographer to capture every memory. It was going to be perfect.

A text from a group chat popped up, announcing a surprise birthday party for another friend, also at the beach and starting at the same time. Jessica's fingers stilled on the wheel. The song, which had sounded so perfect a moment before, now felt a bit too loud.