The tremor in David's hands was almost imperceptible as he clutched the steaming mug. He kept replaying the scene in his head, the park bench, the ice cream, the dog. He was supposed to be relaxed. Instead, his leg bounced incessantly under the table. Sarah's arrival brought a surge of heat to his face.
"Hey," she said, her voice bright, her eyes sparkling. She seemed genuinely happy to see him. David felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.
He was waiting to discuss their last camping trip. He wanted to refresh his memory of the time, the jokes, the inside stories, but most of all, the route they took. He had a map, but he felt like he was missing pieces to the puzzle. She sat, seemingly unfazed, and told him she'd 'forgotten all about it'.
"I just don't remember the river being so treacherous," he stammered, pulling at his collar. He recalled the steep climb, the fear, the moment they almost lost the supplies. Sarah’s account was utterly at odds with his recollection.
Sarah shrugged. "It was just a bit of a scramble, that's all, Dave." Her casual tone grated on his nerves. He felt a cold sweat prickling his skin. This disparity was making him feel as though he was in a dream. It was making him feel very, very alone.