Gemotions

The air in the dimly lit pub hung thick with the scent of stale beer and unspoken words. Across the table, Olivia sat with James, her friend of many years. James had revealed that his work as a renowned doctor was a figment of his imagination. He was a nurse's assistant.

A dull ache blossomed in her heart. She remembered the medical jargon he'd used, the stories of saving lives, the confident way he'd carried himself. She saw the pressure to uphold an image.

She watched him take a long swig of his pint, his hand trembling slightly. She found herself desperately wanting to ease the burden. "You're still you," she said, the words a gentle plea. She wanted to make him see that.