Gemotions

The digital file was password-protected, but Michael’s birthday was the key. Inside, a story about their cross-country road trip, a trip that had changed everything. He saw himself as David, flawed and awkward, dealing with his anxieties.

He understood the effort it took, the months of writing, the hours of introspection. The way David felt was mirrored in Michael. He knew the writer had done it out of love.

He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to hug him. He felt the pain, the loneliness, even the little bursts of joy that Michael had been withholding for so long.

He swallowed hard, and closed the laptop.