Gemotions

Maya bounced on the balls of her feet, her fingers drumming a frantic rhythm against the kitchen counter. Sunshine poured through the window, illuminating dust motes that danced in the air. She grinned at the prospect of her party; the decorations were picked, the playlist was set, and the guest list was a constellation of smiling faces. She’d even booked a karaoke machine, which she knew would be a guaranteed hit. The competing party, being thrown by her friend Chloe, felt like a small, insignificant hiccup in the grand scheme of things.

The doorbell chimed. It was the delivery of her party supplies. Maya practically flew to the door, signing for the boxes with a flourish. She then got to work, unpacking the colorful balloons and streamers, a laugh bubbling from her chest with every item she placed.

"This is going to be the best birthday ever!" she chirped to the empty room, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. The day of reckoning, the day of fun, was almost upon her.