Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Liam's forehead as he stared at the two invitations in his trembling hand. Sarah's party. Mark's party. Both, on the same day. He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, the strands catching on his agitated fingers. "No, no, no," he mumbled, pacing the length of his cramped apartment. His breath hitched in his chest, making it hard to think. He felt like his heart was trying to escape his ribs.

He flung himself onto the sofa, grabbing a cushion and squeezing it until his knuckles were white. The noise of the city, normally a comfort, now felt like a relentless drumbeat against his skull. Each passing car horn sounded like a judgement. What was he supposed to *do*? He hadn’t even bought Sarah a present! Or Mark! The thought sent a fresh wave of panic through him.

He sprung up again, his movements jerky and uncontrolled. He began muttering to himself, his voice rising in pitch with each passing second. He grabbed his phone and started dialing Sarah's number, but his finger slipped, sending the phone clattering to the floor. He let out a strangled cry.