Gemotions

Mark tapped the invitation against his cheek, the paper feeling oddly rough against his skin. The insistent buzzing of a text message, reminding him of the approaching deadline to RSVP, grated on his nerves.

He paced his living room, a restless energy radiating from him. The familiar knot in his stomach tightened with each step. He imagined the scene: the awkward hugs, the forced nostalgia, the inevitable comparison of lives.

He stopped in front of the mirror, studying his reflection. He pinched the bridge of his nose, attempting to ease the building tension, but to no avail. He finally just yelled out, “Why would I want to do this?”