Gemotions

Sunlight streamed through the window as Henry carefully arranged a vase of daffodils on the table. They were Sarah's favorites. He’d spent the morning picking them, imagining the sparkle in her eyes when she saw them. He hummed a jaunty tune, the air buzzing with anticipation.

A text message pinged. It was from his best friend, Liam. "Dude, just heard the news. Everything okay?"

Henry's smile wavered. News? What news? He tapped the message. “What news?”

Liam replied almost instantly. "Sarah's birthday party. Heard it got canned."

The daffodils suddenly seemed less vibrant. He sank into a chair, the air feeling thick and heavy.

He felt a sudden, fierce protectiveness well up inside him. This day, this celebration, it was for her. He’d planned every detail, wanting to see her grin from ear to ear. His heart ached at the thought of her feeling let down. He immediately grabbed his phone and called her. "Hey, my sweet. I was just, uh, thinking about you."