Gemotions

The chipped mug warmed my hands, but the bitter taste of coffee couldn't distract me. Sarah had suggested the reunion, thought it would be 'fun'. The memory of that beach bonfire still burned in my mind, a toxic ember. We had all agreed to protect each other that night.

Across the worn wooden table, Mark was laughing, recounting the story. He acted like a hero, saving the day. According to him, he was the reason the police didn't find out the truth about the missing bottle. He never mentioned how he had been the one to get them all in trouble in the first place, or how I had taken the fall.

He raised his glass, offering a toast. I watched him. My knuckles were white as I clutched the mug. I took a deep breath and, with a calm voice, began to tell the truth. Word by word.