Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the diner cast an unnatural glow on the empty street. I watched David across from me, his face etched with something beyond embarrassment. He'd been telling everyone he was a doctor, saving lives. All those late nights, all the urgent phone calls, all the heroic stories. Now I knew the truth, and the foundation of his charade seemed to crack.

I thought back to the countless times we'd laughed until we cried, the late-night talks, the secrets shared. A tightness constricted my chest. It felt wrong, somehow, to think of his deception.

I picked at my fries, the greasy smell suddenly nauseating. He looked small, insignificant. He was just a guy. And a lie had formed the base of our friendship.