Gemotions

The brightly lit arcade felt overwhelming. Noise, flashing lights, the smell of pizza – it was sensory overload. He'd envisioned a cool, laid-back hangout for his birthday. Instead, Liam's bowling party across town seemed to have drawn everyone, including all the girls he liked.

He hunched his shoulders, awkwardly maneuvering through the crowd. He kept looking down at his shoes, avoiding eye contact. He knew he'd fumble when he played the claw machine. He’d probably lose at air hockey.

The few friends who came were clearly already looking at their phones, itching to leave, too. He felt the familiar sinking feeling of inadequacy.