Gemotions

He adjusted his tie, the knot feeling impossibly tight. His palms were slick, and he wiped them surreptitiously on his trousers. The letter had arrived that morning, a plain envelope containing a handwritten note from his former colleague, Mark. Years ago, a project they’d been jointly responsible for had collapsed, and Mark had publicly blamed him. Now, Mark was inviting him to a meeting. The elevator ride felt interminable. He imagined the meeting, replaying the scenario in his mind. He rehearsed his response, each word carefully measured.