Gemotions

The invitations arrived, a cascade of colourful rectangles bearing the date: June 12th. Leo's birthday was on June 12th. But also, Daniel's. He'd never liked Daniel. Now, a direct attack.

He found himself staring at his reflection, face pale, eyes wide. He had to assume the worst. A wave of nausea rolled over him. He felt exposed, vulnerable.

He began deleting contacts from his phone, a frantic effort to protect himself. He spent hours watching his front door. Every car that passed, every shadow that shifted, sent a fresh jolt of alarm through him. He wouldn't let them ruin his birthday.