Gemotions

He ripped open the envelope with more force than necessary, the paper tearing raggedly. A wave of heat flushed across his face. He quickly stuffed the invitation into a drawer, slamming it shut, as if trying to trap the contents inside.

He began clenching and unclenching his fists. He kept replaying old high school memories, imagining the judgment in others’ eyes. He felt a sudden, urgent need to be alone, to escape.

He went for a long, fast run, pushing himself until his lungs burned and his legs ached, just to try and force the feeling to subside.