Gemotions

The embossed invitation felt heavy in Elias’s hand, a physical weight mirroring the burden in his chest. He hadn’t thought about Northwood High in years, but now, staring at the glossy picture of their graduating class, a wave of sickness washed over him. He tossed it onto the kitchen counter, the sound sharp in the quiet apartment.

He scrubbed at the stubble on his jaw, a nervous habit he’d developed in the past decade. He should shave, he thought, but the thought of facing his reflection felt unbearable.

He opened the fridge, took out a beer, and slammed the door. The cold air did little to soothe the heat prickling his skin. He remembered Sarah, her bright smile, her easy laugh. He'd been so foolish, so young, so arrogant.