Gemotions

David ran his hand through his hair, tugging slightly. He’d told Sarah, his best friend, that he was hosting a simple barbecue. But Sarah was throwing a gala, complete with a professional DJ and a silent auction for charity. He sighed, the sound lost in the humid air of his backyard.

“Just relax, mate,” his brother, Mark, said, slapping him on the back. David flinched. Mark had a way of being effortlessly charming. Everything came easy to him.

David fiddled with the burger patties, flipping them with excessive force. He caught himself checking his reflection in the sliding glass door. He looked… pale. And the lawn needed mowing. He knew people would expect more.

The smell of smoke from the grill, acrid and overwhelming, filled the air. He burned the first batch of burgers. He wanted to yell.