Gemotions

The air conditioning hummed, a monotonous drone that was a constant reminder of the present. Liam drummed his fingers on his knee, the rhythmic tapping a nervous tick he'd had since he was a child. He suddenly remembered the sound of rain on the roof, the feel of the cool drops on his skin as he played in the puddles.

He recalled a time when worries were simple, like the homework. Now he had to compete for a job with his closest friend, and it filled him with a strange ache.

He saw Sarah walk in and their eyes met. A silent understanding passed between them, a shared memory of a different time and place. Liam wished they could be children again.