Gemotions

Rain lashed against the pub window, mirroring the storm inside Leo. He shoved another chip into his mouth, the greasy salt doing little to soothe the tightness in his chest. Across the table, Mark was all smiles, recounting the bonfire night of their youth. Leo remembered the fireworks, the cold, the biting wind. Mark remembered… a triumphant game of charades, and a stolen kiss under a blanket. Leo felt a fresh wave of irritation. "You really remember it that way?" he finally muttered, his voice flat.

He pushed his plate away, the unfinished meal suddenly unappealing. The bar was dimly lit, the chatter a low hum. He watched Mark's animated face, the way his eyes lit up with each memory. It was almost as if they'd been to separate events.