Gemotions

The rain hammered against the windows as they huddled in the small cafe. Alex, with his back to the door, was recounting the time they got caught in a blizzard during a hike. A tingling sensation made it difficult to sit still.

She remembered the freezing cold, the wind biting at her cheeks, the sheer desperation to find shelter. His version, of course, was one of adventure, of conquering the elements.

“You were shivering uncontrollably,” he said, his eyes meeting hers, a small smile playing on his lips. “But you kept going. There was a certain fire in your eyes.”

She felt the warmth spread from her chest to her limbs. The old memory, of fear and cold, now felt different, imbued with something new. His gaze was intense, and all she could do was stare back, wondering what he was feeling, too.