Gemotions

The restaurant’s festive chatter seemed distant to Mark. He was listening to David recount their backpacking trip through Europe, his voice laced with a bravado that felt utterly foreign. David had clearly forgotten the times Mark had pulled them out of tough spots. David was making himself look good.

David laughed, slapping his knee. "And Mark here, he was, shall we say, a bit of a worrier, always panicking." A laugh bubbled up in David’s chest. Mark’s face grew hot. He could feel his pulse quickening in his temples.

He took a bite of his pasta, chewing slowly, deliberately. The food suddenly tasted bland. He looked at David, then at the bustling room, and wondered if he should just leave.