Gemotions

The email felt like a punch to the gut. *Rescheduled.* But for what? He knew the truth. They didn’t want him there. He pictured his best friend, Mark, and his family and their empty words. He felt the familiar hollowness bloom in his chest, a deep ache he couldn't name.

He threw his phone onto the couch, the impact a dull thud. He’d ordered pizza, his favorite kind, to feed everyone. The smell of the food, usually comforting, now just intensified the feeling of loneliness.

He walked into the kitchen and poured himself a large glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling in the glass, a grim reflection of the anger bubbling inside. He looked at the invitations, still neatly stacked on the counter. He decided to get rid of them.