Gemotions

From the moment the invitation arrived, Mark’s pulse quickened. He hadn't seen most of these people in decades, but now, he was compelled to. The pull was nearly unbearable. He read the invitation, then reread it, his eyes lingering on the promise of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. He'd have to make sure he arrived early, before the best food was gone.

He needed to outdo everyone. The thought gnawed at him. He began strategizing. He would need a new watch, a better car, a more impressive story about his career. He started making phone calls, gathering information.

He wanted to be the center of attention. He would be the alpha, the most successful of the pack. He began to plan the most expensive outfit he could possibly afford and began browsing through the catering menu to identify the most expensive options and how he might get there first.