Gemotions

The tiny apartment felt vast and echoing. Tonight, Emily was supposed to celebrate her birthday. She’d meticulously planned everything, from the fairy lights strung across the walls to the homemade cupcakes. But the excitement had evaporated, replaced with an unsettling hollowness. Her friend, Chloe, was hosting a themed party on the other side of town. It was a party she knew would be filled with boisterous laughter and fun.

She wandered through her apartment, the silence amplifying the thudding of her heart. She couldn't bring herself to even turn on the music. The cupcakes sat cooling on the counter, a sad reminder of her dashed expectations.

A notification appeared on her phone. Chloe was posting pictures of her party. Emily stared at the images, a weight pressing down on her chest.