Gemotions

The news arrived via a terse text message. "Party off. Sorry." Ethan read the words over and over, his vision blurring. He'd imagined the fun, the jokes, the warm feeling of belonging. Now, a cold wave of disappointment washed over him, leaving him feeling adrift.

He tossed the phone onto the bed, the action abrupt and uncontrolled. His hands started to shake. The apartment, usually a comfort, felt cold and unwelcoming.

He went to the window, the city lights reflecting back the emptiness inside him. He wanted to scream, but the noise caught in his chest, a painful knot.