Gemotions

He kept fiddling with the car keys, clicking the lock mechanism repeatedly, even though the car was already locked. "Just checking," Leo mumbled to himself, the words barely audible. His pulse hammered against his ribs. He had spent weeks planning his party, a low-key affair at the local arcade. He had carefully curated the playlist, budgeted for pizza, and even convinced his mom to bake a special cake.

Then came the Facebook event: "Ethan's Epic Birthday Bonanza!" – a pool party, with a DJ, and, judging from the photos, half the school already RSVP’d. Leo felt a cold dread creep up his spine. He ran a hand through his hair, dislodging a stray strand. He glanced at his phone, his thumb hovering over Ethan's name.

He didn't call. Instead, he drove to the arcade, the dashboard lights reflecting in his wide eyes. He was early. Too early. He felt a need to escape, to run, but he sat there, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white.