Gemotions

The news landed like a lead weight in Beatrice's gut. "Cancelled?" she echoed, her voice tight, the smile she’d been practicing for the doorway immediately vanishing. Her friend, chattering nervously about "unforeseen circumstances," didn't even notice. Beatrice nodded slowly, pretending to digest the information, but her mind was already elsewhere, calculating.

Later, she found herself strolling past the bakery where the party was supposed to have been. The window display, still adorned with "Happy Birthday!" balloons, seemed to mock her. She went inside, a charming mask plastered across her face, and ordered a dozen cupcakes, all chocolate, all with bright pink frosting. Then, without a word, she "accidentally" dropped the entire box on the floor as she left.