Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the cafe, mirroring the storm inside Marcus. He avoided Leo’s gaze, focusing instead on the condensation that blurred the view of the street. Leo was reminiscing about their childhood treehouse, the secret code, the shared laughter.

Marcus picked at the sugar packets, their edges fraying under his anxious fingers. Leo remembered building it together, brick by brick. Marcus remembered Leo doing most of the work, while he’d sat on the grass, complaining about the heat.

His throat constricted. Each memory Leo shared chipped away at him. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

He felt the need to apologize, for his contribution to their shared memory. He opened his mouth, then closed it again.