Gemotions

The news arrived in a frantic phone call. "We can't make it!" Her brother's stressed voice, a death knell to her hopes. Mark had worked hard to get everyone together, desperately seeking validation.

He paced the length of his living room, a space suddenly too large, too empty. The carefully chosen playlist, the prepared meal, the almost-finished decorations, felt like a cruel mockery of his intentions. He let out a frustrated sound, a strangled noise of utter disappointment.

He slumped onto the sofa, the cushions offering no comfort. He closed his eyes, the weight of his isolation pressing down on him. The silence was deafening. He wished, desperately, that he could disappear.