Gemotions

He watched the rain streak down the window, each drop a tiny, fleeting moment. It was his birthday, but all he felt was this weight in his chest. Mark had meticulously planned his party: a backyard barbecue, a live band. Now, he knew, most of his friends would be at Emily's dance party across town.

He picked at the frayed threads of his old college t-shirt, a habit he'd adopted when he was feeling unsettled. The scent of damp earth wafted in from the garden, a melancholy aroma. The wind howled a lonely tune.

His phone buzzed. A picture message. Emily, laughing, surrounded by friends. He quickly closed the message, his jaw tight. He thought of the weeks he’d spent coordinating, the excitement he'd felt. All for naught.