Gemotions

The invitation felt alien in his calloused hand. He, Jake, had built his life on solid ground, brick by brick. The invitation felt like shifting sand. He was used to order.

He surveyed his tidy workshop. Every tool had its place, every project its plan. The reunion threatened to disrupt this carefully constructed existence. It was the antithesis of all he had worked for.

He thought of Hannah, the girl who had dreamed of escaping their small town. He had held her back, cautioned her. Now, she was probably out there, living a life he couldn’t understand. He should have encouraged her.

He threw the invitation into the trash, the gesture feeling somehow inadequate. He felt a hollowness he hadn't expected.