Gemotions

He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, leaving it standing on end. "This can't be happening," Leo muttered, staring at the competing guest lists sprawled across his desk. Both birthdays, both his close friends, both on the exact same date. The thought sparked an internal tremor. It felt as if his chest were being squeezed by invisible hands.

He imagined the awkwardness, the potential for hurt feelings, the logistical nightmare. He envisioned himself flitting between venues, a social butterfly pinned to two separate, equally important boards. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to lie down, to disappear under the covers and never resurface.

He rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the throbbing headache that had started to bloom behind his eyes. He had to figure this out, and fast.