Gemotions

He stared out the window, watching the stream of people heading to the park. It was the day of his birthday, and the anniversary of a terrible accident. The park was now closed, in preparation for the local fair. His best friend had also chosen to celebrate his birthday on this day.

A tension coiled in his gut, a constant, underlying hum of unease. He felt the need to apologize for something, though he wasn’t sure what. He clutched the worn photograph in his hand, his knuckles turning white. The accident had shaken him. He needed to be strong, for his family. But the weight of the past, combined with the anticipation of his friend's party, was almost unbearable.

He took a shaky breath, telling himself it would be okay. He would get through it. He would force himself to smile, to laugh. But the knot in his stomach remained, a constant reminder of the pain and the fear.