Gemotions

The news arrived in a frantic phone call from his sister, her voice cracking with tears: the venue for their father's surprise anniversary party had suddenly become unavailable. Ben, who had meticulously planned every detail, felt a brief flicker of annoyance, but it quickly subsided.

He sat back in his chair, taking a slow, even breath. He'd been expecting problems. The event was not going to fall apart. He listened as his sister recounted the sorry tale of fire code violations and sudden closures. He nodded at the appropriate moments, murmuring reassurances.

When she finished, Ben simply said, "Okay. Let's make a new plan." He would make the arrangements. His father deserved a celebration. He pulled out his laptop and began researching alternative locations, his fingers flying across the keyboard with practiced ease. This would take time. He could handle it.