Gemotions

“The graduation party,” Ethan stated, his voice flat. He kept his hands in his pockets, pacing back and forth. “You said you took the photos, right, Liam?”

Liam sat on the porch swing, sipping lemonade and smiling in the late afternoon sun. “Yes! Great shots. Remember the dancing, the speeches, the fireworks?" He gestured towards the sky as if he could still see them. Ethan's stomach twisted.

Ethan stopped pacing and stared at the peeling paint of the porch. "There were no fireworks, Liam. There was a rainstorm. The whole party was moved inside, and the pictures… well, I took the pictures." His palms felt clammy.

Liam shrugged, unfazed. "Ah, maybe a few got rained out. But the big show was on. I remember the smell of gunpowder. Everyone was so happy." He laughed, a sound that seemed to echo in Ethan’s ears.

Ethan gripped his hands into fists. "I remember a damp basement, a faulty sound system. I remember a miserable night. And I took the pictures, damn it!" The words burst from him, unbidden. The sun felt too bright, the air too heavy.