Rotten Nostalgia

SAMUEL STRETCH OUT MY LIFE & PICK THE SEAMS OUT Suddenly, as he heard Evie's laugh and teasing words, Sam felt a hard anger wash over him. Not the pettiness of before, not the embarrassment or bitterness, but a steel wall around his emotionalism. With a flat, dry voice, he responded: "Then I gu-guess we're friends. Be-because I helped raise the perch. With my b-boyfriend and some others." Not even a triumphant smile could be brought from him this time, the victory made shallow by his anger. "I didn't s-see you there." He placed the glass down at the bottom of his chair and looking up from his leaned over position, gave Evie a look that spoke volumes more than he could have ever said. "You are n-not bet...better than me." take what you like, but close my ears and eyes, watch me stumble over and over.