Gemotions

"It was *right* there," David exclaimed, gesturing wildly. His voice was a little too loud, his eyes shining with excitement. "The treasure! We were kids, and it was the greatest discovery!"

Olivia’s fingers tightened around her coffee cup. The cafe, usually a source of comfort, suddenly felt suffocating. He was describing the day they’d found the supposed "treasure" – a tarnished silver locket buried near the old oak tree.

She remembered them being disappointed. The locket was empty, and the excitement they felt was short-lived. But David’s story was filled with grand pronouncements and embellishments about riches.

“Don’t you remember the glint of gold?” he asked, leaning in.

She felt a wave of nausea. She forced a smile, but it felt wooden and unnatural. The air seemed to be thinning, and she had the sudden, desperate urge to flee.