Gemotions

The crisp white envelope felt strangely heavy in his hand. He’d been expecting bills, maybe junk mail. This was different, a creamy paper stock, embossed with the school crest. His pulse quickened as he slid a finger under the flap, a tingle running up his arm. He ripped it open.

He scanned the letter, eyes darting from word to word. Twenty years. Really? A nervous tremor made him set the invitation down on the kitchen counter. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. He felt a need to check the locks on the doors.

He felt a sudden compulsion to tidy. He grabbed a damp cloth and attacked a smudge on the refrigerator door with surprising vigor. Everything had to be just so.