Gemotions

The snow fell softly, blanketing the city in a pristine white. Ben shivered, pulling his scarf tighter. Beside him, Leo grinned, his face flushed with the cold. "The ski trip… you remember the epic jump, right? The one where you landed perfectly?"

Ben stared at the snow, his stomach churning. "No. I remember wiping out. I tumbled, broke a leg. I was airlifted off the mountain." He felt a cold dread creeping into his bones.

Leo’s grin faltered. "But… that was the year before! This year, you were flawless. The crowd was cheering. It was incredible." He gestured toward the distant slopes.

Ben's jaw tightened. "No. This year, I was watching from the lodge. I remember the pain, the helplessness, the shame..." The details were too clear. He was exhausted.

Leo's brow furrowed. "Ben, you've got it all wrong. It was amazing, remember? You were a hero. We were partying all night long." He sounded desperate. The snow began to sting Ben's cheeks, and he took a step back.