Gemotions

The neon glow of the arcade sign reflected in Alex’s eyes. Two invites cluttered his inbox. One, for a wild night out with friends hosted by Ben, and a more low-key gathering at Chris's, including board games. He sighed, rubbing his tired eyes.

He stepped out onto his balcony, the city lights blurring in the distance. He remembered the thrill of competition, the camaraderie of shared victories, the endless hours spent in the arcade with Ben, playing fighting games. He could practically hear the sounds now.

The memory of the quiet evenings with Chris playing chess, with a warm mug of hot chocolate, brought a different kind of feeling. He’d always admired Chris's calm and insightful nature. Alex turned from his balcony and headed towards his bedroom, thinking about the options.