Gemotions

The old treehouse stood silent and empty. Liam, remembering the countless hours he spent building it with Noah, now stood beneath it, a knot forming in his stomach. The woods that once buzzed with youthful energy were now hushed, the sunlight filtering through the leaves creating shadows that danced with his own isolation.

He'd found Noah at a conference, years after they'd gone their separate ways. Noah had treated him like a colleague, asking about his work, but his eyes held no recognition, no spark of the boy who had once been his closest friend. The sting in his chest was a constant presence. He turned and walked away.

He found himself staring at the ground, and unable to look up.