Gemotions

The invitation felt like a physical weight in his pocket. Mark stopped on the sidewalk, the bustling city suddenly a blur around him. The sounds faded, the rush of traffic a distant hum.

He ran a hand through his hair, tugging at the strands. The sun felt too bright, the air too thin. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to run, to escape.

He stared down at the street, a vast expanse of asphalt. The reunion... a test. A trial. He had to face it, and he hated it. He felt the cold sweat on his forehead and his heart hammering against his ribs. He was not looking forward to this.