Gemotions

John leaned against the counter, the fluorescent lights of the diner buzzing like angry insects above his head. He'd been on his feet all day. Across from him, Mark practically vibrated with enthusiasm. “That concert last year! Epic, right? I still get goosebumps thinking about it!”

John massaged his temples. The concert was a hazy blur. He remembered the crush of bodies, the overpowering scent of stale beer, the relentless, echoing bass. "Yeah, it was… loud."

Mark's brow furrowed. "Loud? Dude, it was amazing! Remember when we were up on the shoulders of those guys near the front?" He described the event in meticulous detail, the setlist, the crowd’s reactions, the feeling of exhilaration.

John only remembered feeling wedged in, wanting to be anywhere else. A wave of exhaustion washed over him. "I don’t know about that. I think I spent most of the time trying not to get elbowed in the face."