Gemotions

The restaurant buzzed with laughter, a cacophony that grated on his nerves. He tapped a fork against the pristine white tablecloth, the sound oddly loud in his ears. His palms were slick with perspiration. He’d carefully orchestrated every element of the evening, envisioning the smiles, the celebration. The waitress approached, her smile sympathetic. “There’s been a change of plans,” she said softly. He felt a wave of nausea, his stomach churning, a bitter taste rising in his throat.