Gemotions

The party was to be held at the country club, just as he'd expected. James crumpled the invitation in his fist, the expensive paper crinkling under the pressure. The location alone was enough to set him on edge. He’d always felt like an outsider among them, a feeling that hadn’t faded with time.

He pictured the manicured lawns, the gleaming cars, the perfectly coiffed hair. He envisioned the ease with which everyone would settle into their old roles, the effortless conversations about careers and children. He would be the anomaly.

He knew that he'd probably have a better time if he just gave in and went. But the thought of it made his chest feel heavy, his breath shallow. He pushed the crumpled invitation into the bottom of his desk drawer. He had plenty of other things to do.