Gemotions

The glossy photograph on the invite showed a group of laughing, idealized youths. The image seemed to mock Robert. He was not laughing. He was not idealized. He was… here.

He stared at the photograph, his jaw clenched. He was supposed to be further along in life. Instead of attending a reunion, he should have been retired with his wife and kids on a boat in the Caribbean. He kicked at a loose stone on the sidewalk as he walked to the bus stop.

He ripped the invitation in half. He stuffed the pieces in his pocket. He'd decided right then and there. He would not go.