Gemotions

"More cake, Alex?" Mrs. Peterson asked, her voice cheerful. He'd accepted the invitation to his grandma's bingo night, a decision he now deeply regretted. He had cancelled on Chloe, who had painstakingly planned a themed escape room experience for him.

He picked at the cake, the overly sweet frosting turning his stomach. He'd tried to explain to Chloe how important it was to see his grandma. But he was sure he had hurt her feelings. He had not expected to be so overcome by the weight of his actions.

Each bingo call felt like a hammer blow against his conscience. He excused himself, citing a sudden headache, and went out into the cool evening air. He stared at his phone, his thumb hovering over her contact.