Gemotions

“We were such kids,” Leo said, laughing as he pointed at the old yearbook. The photograph showed them, younger and thinner, holding their first-place chess trophy. Leo remembered the strategic brilliance, the thrill of victory, and the respect of their peers. Alex, however, remembered the hours of grueling practice, the pressure to perform, and the crushing weight of expectation.

Alex's fingers traced the image of the trophy. He kept his voice neutral. "We were." He thought of how easily Leo made it seem, the effortless charm.

"That was our year, wasn’t it?" Leo continued, oblivious.

Alex swallowed, a sudden dryness in his throat. He wished they could just skip over this part.