Gemotions

"Are you sure you're up for this, Ben?" Marcus asked, his voice laced with concern. Ben just nodded slowly, the corners of his mouth turned downward. This was Maya’s party, and he had promised to help set up. Liam’s arcade party was the other option, but the constant noise and flashing lights felt… unwelcome.

He rubbed a hand over his face. The drive to the park felt like traversing an ocean. His shoulders slumped as he hauled the picnic baskets out of the car. The midday sun was brutal, baking the grass.

Ben struggled to arrange the blankets, each movement an effort. All he wanted was a dark room and the silence of the night. He glanced at Marcus, noticing the man's energetic movements and smiling face. Ben feigned a smile, but it felt wooden and unnatural.