Gemotions

He paced the length of his tiny apartment, the worn rug offering no solace to his agitated feet. The text message from Maya, confirming her birthday celebration, felt like a physical blow. James had already sent out invitations. Too late to change course. He ran a hand over his stubble, finding his jaw clenched tight.

The silence of the room was oppressive, broken only by the rhythmic thud of his footsteps. He stopped, staring at a framed photo of them both, laughing, from last year’s Christmas party. A knot formed in his stomach.

"This is fine," he said aloud, though his voice sounded thin, unconvincing even to himself. He needed a distraction, something to do. He picked up his keys, a sudden, almost frantic urge to be outside, to escape the confines of his own increasingly anxious thoughts.