Gemotions

The bustling coffee shop felt overwhelming to Alex. He leaned back in his chair, trying to create distance between himself and the noise. Across the table, Ben was recounting their time in the school play, his voice full of theatrical flair.

"And then, boom! You forgot your lines. The whole crowd was silent. It was the funniest thing, right?" Ben chuckled, slapping his knee.

Alex’s stomach lurched. He knew the story, of course, but the way Ben remembered it, the way the crowd’s laughter seemed so distant.

"I remember the lines differently," Alex mumbled, his voice a low monotone. He felt his face flush with heat.

Ben stopped laughing. He looked at Alex with a mixture of amusement and concern. "Come on, it's just a funny memory. Don't be such a…" He trailed off, searching for the right words. Alex found himself staring at the table, refusing to make eye contact.