Gemotions

The old school building was gone. In its place, a shiny new office block. I stood there, staring at the polished glass, a hollow ache in my chest. I'd seen Alex walking down the street, and I'd rushed over. The memories came flooding back, the laughter, the shared secrets, the feeling of endless possibility.

"Alex? Hey, it’s me, Michael. Remember?" The words felt clumsy, inadequate. Alex had paused, a polite smile on his face. He shook his head. "No, sorry. I don't think so." And then he was gone.

The new building, a symbol of progress, was a stark reminder of the past. The wind picked up, swirling leaves around my feet. I turned and walked away, the emptiness inside me mirroring the emptiness of the street.