Gemotions

The bustling city street seemed to fade as he spotted him standing across the street, the same mischievous glint in his eyes that he remembered so fondly. He felt a tightness in his throat, and the world seemed to hold its breath. He crossed the street, ignoring the impatient honking of cars.

“Matthew?” he called out, his voice a little too loud. He reached him, his heart pounding in his chest. Matthew looked at him, his expression one of confusion.

“Yeah? Do I know you?” He felt a flush creep up his neck, and a strange tingling sensation.

“It’s… Sam,” he managed to say, his voice strained. “We used to… play video games together." A blank stare was his reward. He felt a deep emptiness, a void that he needed to fill, somehow, some way.

“Sorry, man, the name doesn't ring a bell.” The words struck him, a profound ache in his chest. He felt an overwhelming urge to move, to run, to escape.