Gemotions

The email arrived with a jaunty subject line: “Remember Our Epic Bike Trip?!” Ben sighed, slumping back in his chair. He had deleted the first twenty-seven emails from his former friend, Mark, but he couldn't bring himself to delete this one.

He read the email, a stream of exclamation points and nostalgic ramblings about a bike trip across the state. Mark fondly recalled breathtaking vistas and the camaraderie of shared hardship. Ben remembered mostly chafing, blisters, and the relentless boredom of endless flat roads.

He reread the bit about the “perfect sunset over the valley.” Ben’s memory of that evening consisted of a flat tire, a swarm of mosquitos, and a growing sense of frustration. Mark’s recollections felt… manufactured. A subtle frown creased his forehead. He had a strange urge to search for the trip details in his old journal.