Gemotions

The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the park. He found himself pacing back and forth, the ground beneath his feet packed hard and familiar. He’d chosen this place, this time, and now he regretted both. He'd never expected this.

The fresh air felt cold, but he was sweating. His throat felt dry, and he kept swallowing, trying to moisten it. He kept imagining the conversation, bracing himself for the words he knew were coming.

The distant sound of children playing, usually a pleasant backdrop, now grated on his nerves. He tugged at his collar, desperately trying to loosen it. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the inevitable. The closer he got, the more he felt like he would break.