Gemotions

The neon glow of the arcade cast a lurid light on Daniel's face. He watched, frozen, as Emily smashed the high score on Pac-Man. He used to be the Pac-Man champion, the master of the game. They used to spend every summer afternoon here, side-by-side, competing for bragging rights.

Emily turned, a grin splitting her face. "Beat that!" she challenged, laughing. It was the same impish, mischievous grin that used to light up their childhood hideouts.

He stared at her, the flashing lights reflecting in his wide eyes. He felt a weird, disconnected sensation in his limbs. He knew he should say something, anything. But the words were stuck in his throat. He just watched, feeling the air thicken around him, as though the arcade itself had become a tangible thing, something he could barely breathe within.