Gemotions

The email pinged at 3:00 AM. He swiped the notification away without opening it, the light from his phone momentarily searing his retinas. Sleep evaded him, as it had most nights lately. A low hum vibrated in his chest, a constant state of unease. He knew what it was, though. The reunion.

He shuffled into the kitchen, the floorboards creaking under his weight. He poured himself a glass of water, watching the condensation bead on the glass. The air felt heavy, oppressive, like a damp blanket. He felt the weight of every passing year pressing down on him.

He pictured the faces of his classmates, their carefully constructed lives, their perceived successes. The thought sent a jolt of anxiety through him. He sat at the kitchen table, head in his hands, feeling utterly depleted. The ticking of the clock was a relentless reminder of the passing time, and he wasn't sure he could endure another day.