Gemotions

He could feel the familiar tightening in his chest as he listened to Ben. Ben was recalling their time on the school debate team as a triumph. He spoke of the thrilling debates and the camaraderie. But for Daniel, it was a time of immense pressure and anxiety.

He remembered the endless nights spent preparing, the crippling fear of public speaking, and the sting of every criticism. He’d never felt like he truly belonged. Every time Ben said something, Daniel felt as though he was a child. He felt weak.

He stood up abruptly, the movement jerky. "I should probably head home," he said, his voice clipped. Ben, mid-sentence, looked up, surprised. Daniel just offered a weak smile. He needed to get away, to escape the echo chamber of Ben's memories.