Gemotions

The band’s music pulsed through the crowded bar, matching the frantic rhythm of his heart. He saw Daniel standing near the entrance, his dark hair a little longer, his shoulders broader. He felt a strange tingle across his skin.

He moved towards him, weaving through the throng of people. “Daniel?” he yelled over the music, trying to make himself heard. Daniel turned, his eyes sweeping over him, and he felt a sharp, cutting disappointment.

“Yes?” Daniel asked, but his face was a mask of polite indifference. He felt a strange energy course through him, a mixture of hurt and something else, something that made him want to touch Daniel, to grab his arm, to pull him close.

“It’s Ben,” he said, his voice straining. “We, uh… we were in the same scout troop.” The indifference remained. He wanted to scream. He wanted to run. He felt an urge to do something, anything, just to get away from the growing emptiness.