Gemotions

He gripped the worn leather of the worn armchair, the scent of old books and pipe tobacco a potent blend. It always reminded him of his grandfather's study, and the hours spent there with Leo. He saw him at the library, standing by the bookshelves.

He approached carefully, smiling. "Leo? It's David. We used to build forts in the woods behind your house." He felt his pulse quicken as he waited for a reaction.

Leo turned, his eyes widened slightly, then a flicker of confusion crossed his face. “I, uh… I don’t think so. Sorry.” He gave a polite, but dismissive nod.

David felt a strange sensation, like something important, something vital, was missing. He felt a dull ache in his chest, a sense of profound displacement. He backed away, the world around him seemingly shifting, his memory of their shared moments becoming less solid, less real.