Gemotions

The rain hammered against the windows of the small cafe. Emily stared at the dwindling number of RSVPs for her afternoon tea party. Liam's beach bonfire, just a few miles down the coast, was drawing a crowd. She knew, because the group chat was exploding with photos and boasts.

She felt a knot forming in her stomach, a tightness that made it difficult to breathe. She'd chosen the tea party hoping for quiet connection, shared confidences. She’d spent weeks preparing delicate finger sandwiches and baking scones.

She poured herself another cup of tea, the ceramic warm against her trembling hands. The rain mirrored the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks, a silent acknowledgement of her disappointment.