Gemotions

Daniel crumpled the invitation in his fist, the paper crackling loudly in the otherwise quiet office. He’d been working here for a decade, feeling like he was going nowhere. The sight of his old high school classmates seemed like a punishment. He hadn't talked to anyone from high school in years.

He threw the crumpled paper into the trash, the action giving him a momentary sense of release. He turned back to his computer, but the screen swam before his eyes. All he felt was an overwhelming sense of inadequacy, amplified by the thought of facing his peers. He had nothing to show for all this time, he thought.

He took a deep breath, trying to regain control. It felt like a useless effort.