Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the decorations in the party store seemed to mock his sombre mood. It was his birthday, the same day as Liam’s extravagant celebration. He was supposed to be excited, but all he felt was a dull ache. He walked away with a half-hearted purchase, a single, lonely balloon.

Back home, he kicked off his shoes and sat on the couch. The quiet of his apartment amplified the turmoil inside. He thought about the years he and Liam had spent together. Their friendship had been a constant, a bedrock. He felt a deep longing for the uncomplicated past.

He called his mother. The sound of her voice brought a sudden flood of relief. They chatted for a long time, and he realized he still missed the simplest things, like the security of her love.