Gemotions

The scent of popcorn and the flashing lights of the arcade brought a wave of memories flooding back for Michael. He stood in the corner, watching John, playing a game, the look on his face familiar to Michael. They used to spend hours in arcades, competing for high scores.

He felt a crushing sensation in his chest. He felt like his heart was trying to escape. He'd seen John at the grocery store, and John had stopped by the house a few times. He didn't recognize him, but he seemed friendly enough.

He'd tried to approach John then, but he didn't. He thought it would be too hard. He thought it would be too embarrassing. The weight of his inaction now felt unbearable. He watched John walk away and felt his legs give way beneath him.