Gemotions

The invitation arrived, a crisp white rectangle, detailing Liam's extravagant pool party. Maya stared at it, the paper crinkling slightly in her grip. Her own birthday was that Saturday. She’d meticulously planned a cozy garden gathering, complete with fairy lights and a string quartet. Now, Liam, her best friend since kindergarten, was hosting a bash that eclipsed hers.

Her stomach clenched. She’d pictured Liam, the quiet one, enjoying a mellow evening at her party. The thought of him instead surrounded by dozens of shrieking teenagers, all vying for his attention, twisted a knot in her chest. She crumpled the invitation and tossed it in the bin.

Later that evening, while arranging the flowers for her own party, a sharp pain blossomed behind her eyes. She felt a burning sensation in her chest that spread to her throat. She found herself snapping at her mother for suggesting she should invite some of Liam’s friends. “They wouldn’t come anyway,” she muttered, her voice tight.