Gemotions

The sunset painted the sky in vibrant hues as they sat on the beach. Alex was sharing his recollections of the epic surfing competition. He described the thrilling waves, the adrenaline rush, the feeling of freedom.

Ben traced patterns in the sand, a muscle ticking in his jaw.

He remembered the panic, the fear of failure, the moment he had stumbled. He remembered the shame of disappointing Alex. He knew Alex thought he had surfed well. He hadn’t.

He kept quiet. He shifted uncomfortably. His voice was too hushed to speak.