Gemotions

The chipped mug warmed Elias's hands, but it did little to chase away the chill that had settled deep in his bones. He stared out the window at the rain, each drop blurring the already muted colors of the park across the street. Liam’s call, buzzing on his phone, felt like an unwelcome intrusion. He finally answered, the word "Hey" coming out flat.

“Dude, you remember that summer we tried to build a raft?” Liam’s voice crackled through the speaker, full of boisterous energy. Elias felt a tightening in his chest.

Elias remembered a scorching sun, splintered wood, and the bitter taste of failure. Liam remembered triumph, laughter, and a glorious sunset. He swallowed, the lump in his throat making it difficult to speak. “Vaguely,” he managed to croak out.