Gemotions

“You really think she’ll come?” Sarah asked, picking at a loose thread on her jeans. The question was directed at Chloe, who was sprawled on the couch. Chloe had planned a quiet movie night for her birthday, a stark contrast to Olivia’s planned karaoke bar outing.

Chloe shrugged, her usual bravado noticeably absent. The idea of competing with Olivia’s charismatic personality felt demoralizing. Chloe had carefully curated the snacks, chosen a cozy blanket, and even picked out a specific movie.

“She said she would,” Chloe replied, though her voice lacked conviction. She sat up, running a hand through her hair. The karaoke event felt designed to steal the spotlight, a noisy, dazzling distraction from the low-key film night. It was an attack on her preferred party method, on her very being.

Chloe stared out the window, a vague, disquieting sensation swirling within her. She was beginning to question whether anyone would come to her party.