Gemotions

He stared at the invitation, the glossy paper mocking him with its cheerful fonts and promises of fun. It was Liam's party, and, of course, it was on the same day as his. His fingers tightened around the card, the edges biting into his palm. He had planned something small, just a quiet dinner with his parents, a tradition he always loved.

He felt a tightness in his chest, a yearning for the simpler days. Days when birthdays were all about cake and games, not competing social events. He looked at the reflection in the window, his own face a stranger to him.

He drove to his favourite park, the familiar trees and winding paths offering a semblance of peace. He found himself sitting on the old, wooden swing set, his legs dangling, feeling the cold metal against his skin. He remembered countless hours spent there as a child, Liam by his side, both of them dreaming of their futures.