Gemotions

He stared at the invitation, the photograph of his younger self staring back at him with an irritating cheerfulness. “Five years. Already?” Michael thought to himself. He stood in his meticulously organized apartment, the sterile environment a stark contrast to the chaos inside him. He felt disconnected, adrift. His life felt… stagnant.

Michael’s jaw clenched. He felt the familiar prickling of anxiety at the thought of facing his old classmates. He felt a deep-seated feeling of shame. The achievements listed on the invitation seemed to mock his own lack of progress. With a sigh, he tossed the invitation onto the perfectly made bed, feeling the weight of the day settle over him.