Gemotions

Maya bounced on the balls of her feet, a giddy energy coursing through her. Her apartment was a hurricane of crepe paper, balloons already partially inflated, and a playlist of upbeat pop songs blaring from her speakers. This was it. The best birthday ever. She glanced at the invitation list, a manic grin plastered across her face. Seeing her friends, all together, celebrating her… it was a vision she replayed constantly.

"Almost time!" she chirped to her reflection in the mirror, adjusting the oversized party hat perched precariously on her head. Her phone pinged. A text from Sarah, reminding her of the dinner reservation. Maya’s smile grew wider, if that was even possible.

“Ready to be swept away,” she murmured to herself, grabbing a handful of glitter and throwing it in the air. Let the good times commence. Her heart pounded like a drum solo.