Gemotions

The email arrived mid-afternoon, its subject line: "Surprise!" David, a recluse by nature, found his blood pressure rising. His online friend, "InkSlinger," a fellow writer, was in town. He wanted to get coffee.

He ran a hand through his thinning hair, a gesture of agitation he'd adopted since his wife passed. The email sat there, mocking him. He should say no, make up an excuse. But the thought of disappointing InkSlinger, who seemed to understand him so well, was hard to bear.

His apartment suddenly felt cramped, the walls closing in. He wandered from room to room, unable to settle. He knew he should prepare, choose an outfit, but he was frozen. He stared at the email again. Then he slammed the laptop shut. He needed to avoid this.