Gemotions

The brightly colored invitation was propped up on the kitchen counter, next to a half-eaten bowl of cereal. Michael pushed the bowl away, no longer hungry. He felt the familiar weight of inertia settling over him, preventing him from doing anything.

He'd been thinking about this reunion since the moment the invite arrived. Should he go? Could he go? He felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He was no longer the adventurous kid everyone remembered. Now he was just a cog in the machine of routine and obligation.

He wandered over to the window and stared at the street. The world outside felt vibrant and free, and yet he stayed right where he was. He knew that if he were to go, he'd be asked about his life, and he'd have to provide an answer that made sense.