Gemotions

He’d envisioned the look on her face; utter shock, followed by a beaming smile. Now, the florist’s delivery man stood, awkwardly holding the bouquet of lilies, the very flowers she adored. The message was clipped, brutal: "Party off. Contact organizer." The blood seemed to drain from Leo’s face. He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat of panic.

He waved the delivery man away, the lilies suddenly heavy in his hands. He wandered into the backyard, where the string lights were already draped across the trees. The empty space, usually filled with laughter and anticipation, felt vast and hollow.

He leaned against a tree, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He imagined the disappointment etched on her face, and the thought was a physical blow. He kicked at a stray pebble, sending it skittering across the patio, a tiny, insignificant sound in the face of his ruined plans.