Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, the insistent rhythm a counterpoint to the thrumming in his temples. He was supposed to be picking up balloons, but the thought of the inflatable jungle gym he’d booked for his nephew's party, now colliding with Chloe’s sophisticated gallery opening, made his palms sweat.

He pictured Chloe, impeccably dressed, surrounded by art enthusiasts, her smile radiant. Then he imagined the chaos of shrieking kids, sticky fingers, and deflated bouncy castles. He felt a creeping dread.

He pulled over, the car shuddering slightly as he turned off the engine. Maybe he could just... skip the party, claim a sudden illness? The guilt that followed that thought felt like a physical blow. He started the car again, the balloons momentarily forgotten.