Gemotions

The invitation crackled in David’s hand. He'd decided against going to either party, opting to stay home. He paced his apartment, back and forth, the hardwood floors echoing his restless energy. It was Olivia’s birthday, a raucous karaoke night at a local bar, and he wasn’t in the mood.

He felt the prickle of tears behind his eyes. He longed for something he couldn't name. He'd spent the morning staring out the window, watching the leaves fall, each one a small, silent goodbye. He felt like one of them, drifting away.

His phone buzzed with a message from Emily, her party a low-key gathering in her apartment. He ignored the message and continued to pace. The walls of his apartment seemed to close in, compressing him.