Gemotions

The park was alive with the sound of children's laughter and the rustling leaves. Ben practically bounced along the path, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He’d spent all morning thinking about seeing Sam, the friend he hadn’t seen since grade school. He was smiling at the memory.

He spotted Sam by the pond, feeding the ducks. "Sam!" he yelled, hurrying toward him.

Sam turned, his expression guarded and somewhat distant. "Yes?"

Ben stopped, the energy draining from him. "It's Ben... We used to build forts by the creek..." He was suddenly self-conscious.