Gemotions

He paced the length of his small apartment, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The vibrant balloons he'd ordered, still in their unopened bags, felt like accusatory eyes staring from the corner. He’d put so much thought into it. His family were supposed to be here. A sense of bewilderment washed over him. He felt as though he had tripped on a step that wasn’t there.

His gaze settled on the date printed on the calendar; a cruel reminder of what was supposed to be. He picked up his phone, then quickly set it down, the urge to contact the person who had cancelled the party warring with a desire to retreat and hide.

He sat on the floor, legs crossed, his arms wrapped around himself, as if trying to physically contain the emotions that threatened to spill out. The quiet of the apartment felt suffocating.