Gemotions

Liam stared at the text. "Party at the arcade! Same day as mine!" He felt a strange disconnect, like he was observing himself from a distance. He’d carefully planned his medieval-themed party at the local park, complete with a rented knight's armor for him to wear. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture clumsy and automatic.

His phone slipped from his grasp, clattering onto the counter. He didn't pick it up. He just stood there, the image of the arcade, with its flashing lights and blaring music, burned into his retinas. The air in his tiny apartment seemed to thicken, making it difficult to breathe.

He let out a shaky sigh. All his friends were avid gamers. How could they possibly choose his party over that? A knot of disappointment tightened in his gut, a slow, painful squeeze. He felt a desperate urge to sit down, to just… stop.