Gemotions

The invitation sat on the kitchen counter, pristine and accusing. *Surprise! Celebrating You!* It mocked him, this cheerful scrap of cardstock, especially now. He crumpled it in his fist, the paper crackling like bones. He’d spent weeks, painstakingly planning the decorations, the guest list, the elaborate cake he’d never get to eat. Now, all that effort felt like a hollow echo in the suddenly silent apartment. He dragged himself to the couch, burying his face in a cushion, the scent of lavender doing little to soothe the tightness in his chest.