Gemotions

He ripped open the envelope with a vicious tear. The bright, colorful invitation, a caricature of youthful exuberance, taunted him. He tossed it onto the overflowing ashtray on his desk, the cigarette smoke already obscuring its details.

He paced his cramped office, his steps quick and restless. The walls felt like they were shrinking, closing in on him. The mocking laughter of classmates echoed in his mind, years later. He felt trapped, suffocated.

He grabbed a bottle of scotch and poured himself a generous measure, downing it in a single gulp. He needed something to numb this relentless ache.