Gemotions

As Ethan surveyed his living room, now transformed into a makeshift arcade, he felt a familiar sting in his chest. Across town, his friend, Oliver, was hosting a lavish masquerade ball. Ethan, in comparison, felt… small.

He’d spent weeks building this arcade, painstakingly wiring the old consoles and designing the custom-made arcade cabinets. It was the best he could do. He just hoped his friends would like it. He didn't think they'd like it though.

He checked his phone constantly, anticipating Oliver’s Instagram updates. He saw a photo of a grand chandelier. Suddenly, the string of fairy lights he'd hung around his television seemed pathetic.

He wanted to disappear. He thought about canceling, but there was no backing out now. He was going to fail.