Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest inside Leo. He shoved another spoonful of cereal into his mouth, the milk turning the flakes into a soggy mess. Today was supposed to be fun. His friend, Maya, was turning twenty-one, and they'd been planning a joint celebration for months. Then, last week, Maya had announced she was throwing a huge bash, a proper party with a DJ and a guest list that stretched across half the city. Leo, in response, decided to have a quiet night in with video games and take-out.

He picked at his cereal, barely registering the crunch. The thought of all the people, the noise, the forced conviviality at Maya's party made his stomach churn. He’d told her he couldn't make it, muttering something about a prior commitment. A lie.

He knew Maya would be surrounded by people. People who would be genuinely happy for her, people whose lives seemed effortlessly filled with joy. He felt a sharp pang, a hollowness in his chest. He felt like his own party was in the wrong place, and at the wrong time. His gaze drifted to the unopened video game box on the table. He felt no excitement.