Gemotions

He stood outside his apartment building, the city's cacophony suddenly grating. The message from his sister had arrived: "Something came up. Party postponed." John stuffed his hands in his pockets, feeling the coins press into his skin.

He'd been so sure this time, so hopeful. He’d envisioned the cheers, the shared memories. Now he saw only his own flaws, the times he'd embarrassed himself, the ways he’d let people down. The joy he’d anticipated curdled into a bitter taste in his mouth. He should have known.