Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the diner cast dancing shadows across Leo’s face. He hunched over his lukewarm coffee, the ceramic mug feeling cold against his fingertips. He'd met up with Marcus, his old university roommate, to reminisce. But their shared memories of the infamous campus prank night had splintered. Leo recalled the exhilarating rush, the strategic planning, the triumph. Marcus, on the other hand, remembered a chaotic, almost-failed endeavor, a night filled with fear and near misses.

The waitress refilled his coffee. Leo jumped. The sudden movement made him feel dizzy. His ears rang, and he could feel his breath quicken.

He pushed his plate away, his appetite gone. The fluorescent lights of the diner seemed overly bright, the sounds of conversation too loud.