Gemotions

He’d been practicing his "seductive" eyebrow raise in the mirror for nearly an hour. The annual company gala was tonight, and he, Reginald, had his sights set on Brenda, the marketing manager. He carefully crafted a message: “Brenda, I hear you enjoy romantic candlelit dinners. I happen to know a fantastic Italian place…” Then, with a flourish, he hit send. A tingle ran through him.

His phone buzzed. It wasn't Brenda. It was his mother. "Reginald, I haven't heard from you in a week. Are you attending your Aunt Mildred's funeral tomorrow?"

Reginald stared at the message, then let out a snort of breath, his shoulders shaking. He imagined his mother at the funeral, probably wondering why he'd neglected to tell her about the funeral. He pictured himself at the funeral, and what would happen when he would inevitably show up. This was a gift. He replied, "Mom, I am very much looking forward to seeing you. And Aunt Mildred. And the candlelit dinner!"