Gemotions

The weight of the rejection pressed down on Leo as he walked through the crowded grocery store. He’d run into Daniel in the produce section, a chance encounter that felt like a cosmic joke. Their reunion at the school reunion was a nightmare, but at least Daniel seemed to recognize him then. However, today, the blank expression that washed over Daniel's face was a sharper, more devastating blow. Leo had blurted out their shared history, the inside jokes, the childhood escapades. Daniel had just stared, his eyes vacant. The world around Leo began to blur, and he struggled to find air to breathe. Leo placed the milk back on the shelf, the carton cold against his trembling hand. He abandoned his shopping cart and quickly left the store.