Gemotions

The invitation sat on the kitchen counter, taunting him. The bright, bubbly fonts practically vibrated with deceit. He picked it up, fingers tracing the embossed lettering, feeling the slight imperfections of the card stock. *Surprise!* it screamed. He hadn't been surprised in years. Only wary.

He checked the lock on the front door again, even though he'd locked it twice already. He peered through the peephole, expecting to see… something. A shadowy figure lurking in the dusk? A car pulling up, filled with people he didn't trust? Nothing. Just the empty, indifferent street. He shivered, despite the stuffy apartment.

The phone rang. He jumped, heart leaping into his throat. He stared at it, willing it to stop, to not tell him whatever it was about to reveal. Finally, he snatched it up, voice a strangled croak. "Hello?" A cheerful voice on the other end, his best friend, Liam. "Hey, just checking in! Are you coming over tonight?" The party. His stomach churned. "Actually," he said, trying to sound casual, "I... I have a really bad migraine."