Gemotions

The email sat in Eleanor’s inbox, mocking her with its cheerful subject line: "Surprise Party Update!" Her jaw clenched. She’d spent weeks coordinating, secretly badgering her friends for RSVPs, meticulously choosing the perfect playlist. It was all for nothing. A family emergency? Really? Right before the big day? Eleanor slammed her laptop shut, the metallic clang echoing in her otherwise quiet apartment.

She paced the length of her living room, her hands balled into fists. The streamers, still in their unopened box, seemed to glare at her from the corner. She pictured the cake she'd envisioned, a chocolate masterpiece, now probably destined to be consumed by whoever was in charge. A vein in her forehead throbbed. This was utterly unacceptable.