Gemotions

The phone felt heavy in Mark's hand. He'd been so excited to reconnect with Ethan, his childhood companion. They'd been thick as thieves, sharing all their firsts. Ethan had answered the phone with a polite greeting. Mark introduced himself, waiting for the spark of recognition, the familiar warmth. Instead, there was a pause, a polite “Sorry, the name doesn't ring a bell.” The dial tone that followed felt like a physical blow. The apartment felt too small, the walls closing in. He dropped the phone, the clatter echoing in the sudden silence.