Gemotions

The old swing set, rusted and creaking, stood sentinel in the overgrown backyard. David stared at it, a phantom ache blooming in his chest. He watched Chloe, his childhood friend, laughing with her children. She was a different person, her face unfamiliar.

He felt a burning in his throat, a sharp pang in his chest. He remembers their games, the whispered secrets, and the promise to always stay friends. Now, it was just a memory, a ghost of the past.

He slowly turned and walked back toward his car, head down. He touched the worn leather of his driver's seat, then sat down, the weight of the moment pressing upon him. He closed his eyes.