Gemotions

The email arrived like a punch to the gut. “Due to unforeseen circumstances…” the message began. The rest was a blur. He stared at the screen, the cheerful font a cruel joke. He’d meticulously planned every detail, from the playlist to the personalized favors. Now, all that effort felt futile. A dull ache settled behind his eyes.

He closed his laptop, the click echoing in the suddenly silent apartment. His shoulders slumped. He felt an intense urge to be alone. He pulled the blanket over his head, shutting out the world, wanting only to be obscured.