Gemotions

Daniel found the invitation tucked between the pages of a forgotten novel. He set the book down, the weight of the paper pressing into his palm. He felt a creeping unease. He wanted to throw the invitation into the fireplace, and simply pretend he never saw it.

He thought of the awkward encounters, the forced smiles, the inevitable comparisons. His successes felt insignificant, his failures magnified. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling.

He started cleaning the house, a flurry of agitated activity. He scrubbed the kitchen floor, rearranged the bookshelves, anything to occupy his mind. He glanced at the mail again, and a fresh wave of discomfort washed over him.