Gemotions

He stared at the invitation, the embossed lettering seeming to taunt him. His hands wouldn’t stop shaking. It had been years, but the reunion was tonight. He had no choice but to go. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture more frantic than calming. The car ride over felt interminable, each mile stretching into an hour, each second amplifying the pounding in his temples.

The ballroom was a cacophony of voices and laughter. He spotted her almost immediately. She was laughing, her head thrown back, a picture of effortless joy. He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly tight.

He approached, his steps heavy. "Excuse me," he said, hoping his voice wouldn't betray the turmoil inside.

She turned, her smile fading. Her eyes registered only a stranger.