Gemotions

He saw the Instagram post – a photo of Sophia, beaming, surrounded by balloons announcing her upcoming roller skating party. Alex’s own birthday, the same day, was to be a quiet gathering at his place with a limited guest list and a few board games.

A wave of irritation hit him, a sudden dryness in his mouth. He thought of all the effort he’d put into selecting the right snacks, the perfect music, creating a cosy ambience. He felt a sharp pang in his chest.

He found himself scrolling through Sophia’s profile, lingering on photos of her, comparing her to himself. He stopped answering her calls and texts. He decided to cancel his party altogether, instead spending the day locked in his room, playing video games.