2021 theme: RUPTURE

UNINVITED Genalea Barker Toby checked his watch yet again as his knee bounced under the table.

Van was late, and Toby grew more nervous by the second. He’d felt his friend pulling away these last few months. Now, the request for a public meeting upon Toby’s arrival in town was a tiny but ominous needle, puncturing the security bubble of their familiar friendship.

A bell signaled the arrival of another patron. Nerves settled temporarily as he watched Van walk through the door in a calm and steady stride. Upon making eye contact, Van grinned widely.

“Tobe!”

Toby stood, embracing Van warmly. “Good to see you, man. I’ve missed you.”

“It’s been too long.” He concurred.

Toby gestured to the cofees resting on the table. Van smirked, sliding easily into his chair.

“How is it being back home?” He asked after a sip.

Toby sat, clearing his throat. “Same as always. Good but weird.”

“Ever think of moving back?”

These were dull questions that Van already knew the answers to. Old acquaintance discussions, not intended for life-long friends.

Toby shrugged. “I’ll always love Montana, but I it better in Denver.

They’re more accepting of who I am.”

Van nodded, saying nothing. After a lengthy and awkward silence, Toby inally gathered the courage to ask the haunting, pertinent question.

“What’s happening here, Van?” Van took another sip of his cofee, then sighed. “Tobe, there’s no easy way to say this.” A painful pause followed. “You can’t be in the wedding.”

Toby’s heart plummeted into his stomach. “What?” No response. “Why are you saying this? Now?” Van winced. “Look, I don’t want to make this a big thing. I just can’t have you be a groomsman. You can still come as a guest.”

That tiny puncture threatening all things familiar and safe now burst.

Toby’s whole world seemed to crumble around him 38