Gemotions

Sarah tapped her foot, the staccato rhythm echoing the frantic beat of her own heart. The restaurant, usually bustling, was silent, tables draped in pristine white cloths. The waitstaff stood motionless, their faces betraying no hint of the chaos she imagined was unfolding behind the scenes. Where were the balloons? The streamers? The twenty-odd people she was expecting? A wave of confusion washed over her. She looked around, expecting someone to jump out and shout "Surprise!", but the only sound was the low hum of the air conditioning. A knot formed in her stomach.