Gemotions

The banner, emblazoned with glitter and balloons, hung outside the community center: “Happy Birthday, Olivia! Carnival Fun!” Liam squinted at it, a knot forming in his throat. His birthday was that very day. He had carefully planned a low-key picnic in the park with some of his closest friends.

A wave of something akin to nausea washed over him. Olivia, of course, had organized a full-fledged carnival, complete with games, rides, and cotton candy. Liam’s picnic basket suddenly seemed…pitiful.

He found himself avoiding Olivia, making excuses, cancelling plans. He became obsessed with details, checking the weather forecast every hour, scrutinizing his picnic basket. The closer it got to his party, the more he wanted to avoid it.

As his picnic guests began to arrive, he felt a sudden panic, a desire to flee. He gave his friends a weak smile, quickly found an excuse to duck away. He ended up driving around the city, avoiding the park, avoiding everything.