Gemotions

The scent of chlorine hit Finn like a physical blow as he stood at the edge of the community pool. It was exactly as he remembered. He felt a tightening in his chest, a sensation of pressure. He'd come back to their hometown for a reunion. He saw Mark immediately, his broad shoulders and familiar, slightly crooked stance.

He approached him, a smile tugging at his lips. “Mark? Finn. Finn O'Connell. We used to spend every summer here. Remember the cannonballs contest?”

Mark looked at him, confused. “I'm sorry, pal. Don't know anyone named Finn.” He gave a shrug and turned back to his conversation.

Finn felt a peculiar ache, a hollowness spreading through him. He recalled the countless hours spent here, the laughter, the shared secrets whispered in the echoing space. It was a tangible loss, the erasure of their shared history. He retreated to a bench, the roar of the pool suddenly seeming very distant, a cacophony of sounds.