Gemotions

"Are you sure about this, Leo?" Maya’s voice was hesitant. Leo just shrugged, his shoulders slumping. He’d barely looked up at her since he'd gotten the confirmation from Chloe's event planner. Karaoke night. Same day. Same night.

He pretended to fiddle with the string of fairy lights he was trying to untangle. His fingers fumbled, the cheap plastic tangling further. The apartment was too quiet, the absence of music a heavy weight. He'd poured his heart into this party, a celebration of his own milestone.

"It's fine," he finally mumbled, his voice catching slightly. His gaze drifted to a photo on the mantelpiece, a picture of him and Chloe, smiling. He quickly looked away. The knot in his chest tightened. Everything felt…wrong.

He’d booked a band, arranged a special menu, all the little details that he’d thought would make this night memorable. Now? He just wanted it to disappear. The anticipation of the day was gone, replaced by a dull dread.