Gemotions

He whistled as he polished his shoes, a bright, cheerful sound that echoed through his apartment. A small suitcase, already packed, sat by the door. His grin was wide, practically splitting his face. He’d imagined the scene a hundred times: the friends, the laughter, the triumphant toast.

He grabbed his keys and practically skipped to the elevators. His chest felt so light, as if it were filled with helium balloons. The day promised to be spectacular, and it would all culminate in the event he'd been waiting for: a party celebrating his recent successes.

He arrived at the designated location, a local park he had been told. Balloons, streamers, and all his loved ones.

"Hey, buddy!" His friend Josh greeted him, holding a piece of paper. His face was unusually solemn.

He frowned. "What's wrong? Why the long face?"

Josh cleared his throat. "Look, there's been a change of plans." He handed him a printed letter. "The party's canceled."

His smile evaporated. The air in his lungs seemed to solidify. The balloons he had imagined burst, the confetti scattering on a forgotten floor.