Gemotions

A cold sweat slicked down Mark’s back as he read the email. His hands were shaking so badly he had to put down his phone. The subject line, “Hillside High - 10 Year Reunion,” burned into his retinas. He felt a wave of nausea. He hadn't thought about high school in years.

He pictured the faces. Brad, the star quarterback, now a successful lawyer. Emily, the head cheerleader, probably still stunning. He envisioned the inevitable comparisons, the awkward conversations. He felt his breath quicken, his throat closing up.

"Absolutely not," he choked out loud, but even as the words left his mouth, he knew the decision was already made, the inescapable pull of obligation starting to tug.