Gemotions

The doorbell chimed, a cheerful sound that grated on David’s nerves. He peered through the peephole. It was a mail carrier. He opened the door reluctantly, taking the thick envelope. The printed lettering screamed ‘REUNION.’ He closed the door.

He sank onto the worn sofa, the unopened invitation clutched tightly in his fist. He pictured the triumphant smiles of some of his former peers. He knew they’d all “made it.” He hadn’t.

He hated this city. He hated his dead-end job. He hated the dust that seemed to coat everything. He buried his face in his hands, feeling the dampness of a single tear.