Gemotions

David found himself staring at the empty swing set. He'd seen Ben at the park, the same park where they'd spent countless afternoons swinging, whispering secrets, and dreaming of the future. He’d called out his name, a knot of anticipation forming in his stomach. Ben’s response was a polite but confused “Oh, hello?” All the shared memories, the promises whispered on the breeze, seemed to have vanished. The sun felt too bright, the air heavy, each creak of the empty swings a dull ache in his chest.