Gemotions

The brightly colored balloons in the party supply store seemed to mock him. Ben stared at them, a sneer twisting his lips. He was supposed to be celebrating, not competing. Then there was the notification of Clara's party happening on the same day.

He felt a physical jolt, a cold shiver running down his spine. He imagined Clara’s carefully curated guest list, the perfectly executed theme, and his own event seemed… inadequate. He felt a deep-seated revulsion at the thought of her success.

He shoved past the displays, his shoulders hunched. He wanted to ruin her plans, to sabotage her joy. He felt a surge of energy, a dark glee at the thought of it. He hated the thought of his own celebration, of having to share.