Gemotions

He found the note tucked inside the birthday card, a simple explanation scrawled in hurried handwriting. Liam’s fingers trembled as he read it. The party, the one his friends had sworn to keep secret, was canceled. His breath hitched, a small sound lost in the echoing silence of his apartment.

He crumpled the card, then smoothed it out, a nervous habit. The cancellation felt like a physical blow. He'd imagined the laughter, the camaraderie, the feeling of being… appreciated. Now, the carefully built-up anticipation crumbled, leaving behind a bitter residue.

He went to the window, staring out at the vibrant city lights that seemed to mock his deflation. He wanted to shout, to rage, but the words caught in his throat.