Gemotions

The text from Ben arrived at precisely the wrong moment: “Party at the arcade Saturday. Drinks and games!” Sarah felt a tightness in her chest, a feeling of being completely and utterly deflated. Her own planned board game night felt inadequate by comparison.

Her initial joy at having a party with her closest friends evaporated. She’d spent weeks preparing, meticulously selecting the games and the refreshments. Now, all her work seemed pointless, insignificant.

She stopped responding to Ben’s texts. On the day of her party, she felt sick to her stomach. She stared at the games, a feeling of despondency washing over her. She ended up calling it off at the last minute, citing a sudden family emergency.