Gemotions

Sweat beaded on David’s forehead despite the air conditioning. He watched Sarah, her face animated, describe their disastrous high school play. They were reminiscing at a reunion, surrounded by the echoes of laughter. Sarah painted a comedic masterpiece; a charmingly inept production, full of endearing mistakes.

David's throat tightened. He remembered the humiliation, the whispered taunts that followed. He recalled the sheer terror he felt onstage. Sarah’s story was…light, filled with a fondness he didn’t share. He pushed a stray lock of hair away from his face, trying to appear engaged.

The way she saw it, it was all so amusing. The audience had loved it. He could barely bring himself to look at her, the memory of his own perspective creating a dull ache in his chest. Each laugh of Sarah’s was like a sharp jab.

“Oh, and remember when…” she began, her eyes sparkling, and David forced a smile, feeling a tremor run through his hands.