Gemotions

Liam slammed the car door a little harder than necessary. He could feel his face burning with a heat he couldn’t seem to dispel. This was unbelievable. He was supposed to have a small get-together at the local arcade, just a few close friends to celebrate turning sixteen. Then came the text: "Big party at Jake's house! Drinks, music, the works!" The same day.

He wanted to call Jake and tell him how he felt, but the words wouldn't come. He just kept picturing the scene: a packed house, loud music, everyone laughing and having a great time. His own party now felt small, irrelevant, completely swallowed up by the other one.

He found himself pacing his room, kicking at a stray sock. He picked up his guitar, intending to play, but the instrument felt heavy, foreign in his hands. He set it back down with a frustrated sigh, a wave of disappointment washing over him. The excitement he’d felt just yesterday was completely gone.