Gemotions

He stared at the two Eventbrite confirmations on his phone screen. Both birthdays. Same time. Same date. His jaw clenched, muscles locking. He, Leo, a man who prided himself on impeccable planning, had somehow allowed this to happen. He felt a deep, unsettled feeling churn within him.

He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging a whole section of it and mussing it beyond recognition. He’d meticulously crafted the perfect cocktail party for Sarah, complete with a live jazz trio. Meanwhile, Mark, his longtime rival, was hosting a backyard barbecue with a petting zoo. He wanted to shout, to tear something, to do *something*.

He pictured the guests, torn between artisanal cheese boards and questionable hot dogs. This would be a disaster. He slammed his phone on the table, the sharp sound echoing in the otherwise silent apartment.