Gemotions

The phone rang, shattering the quiet. It was Sarah, canceling her RSVP. "Something came up," she’d said, voice tight. The world seemed to tilt on its axis. It was happening. His sister's birthday, also the same day, but *hers* was the priority.

He paced his living room, a caged animal. Every shadow seemed to lengthen, to morph into something menacing. He kept picturing his guests, happily celebrating at his sister's party, leaving him alone.

He started furiously texting his other friends. He had to make sure, *had* to know. The replies were slow, vague, unsettling. He found a sudden, pressing need to lock the door.