Gemotions

The old high school yearbook lay open on the kitchen table. Liam and Ben, best friends since kindergarten, stared at a photo of them at the school dance.

"Remember that night?" Ben asked, a wide grin spreading across his face. "We thought we were so cool."

Liam looked at the picture. He felt his cheeks grow warm. He recalled the awkward dances, the way he’d tripped, and the way the girl he liked had turned away. He remembered the feeling of overwhelming inadequacy. He felt so exposed.

He didn’t return Ben’s smile. He quickly closed the book.