Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down David's temple as he reread the invitation. "Ten Year Reunion. Bayside High." The words seemed to mock him from the glossy cardstock. He slammed his laptop shut, the sudden noise echoing in his sparsely furnished apartment.

He pulled at the collar of his shirt. He hadn't left the house in three days, the blinds permanently drawn. The faint scent of stale takeout hung in the air. His reflection in the darkened screen showed a man he barely recognized, with a stubble of beard and a haunted look in his eyes.

He imagined the small talk, the forced smiles, the inevitable questions about his career. He’d be expected to have a wife, a nice car, a mortgage. The crushing weight of expectation settled in his chest. He took a shaky breath, then crumpled the invitation in his fist.