Gemotions

The glossy paper felt cold against his palm. He crumpled the invitation, then smoothed it out again. He was in the middle of a marathon video game session when he saw the notification. The blue light of the screen illuminated his face, casting it in an unnatural glow.

He slammed the controller down. His hands were clammy, his body stiff from sitting. He’d barely moved from his chair all day. Food wrappers and empty energy drink cans littered the floor around him.

The thought of going to the reunion, of facing anyone, filled him with dread. He felt like a prisoner, trapped in a self-made cell.