Gemotions

The familiar scent of lilac filled the air as they sat on the bench. Sarah had been reminiscing about their first day of college, how they’d been inseparable from the moment they met. She remembered it with a warm smile, recounting how they’d navigated the crowded campus, laughing and making friends. A prickle of unease started on her scalp.

From her perspective, it was a day of overwhelming shyness and loneliness. She remembered hiding in the library, clutching a book, praying no one would notice her. Now, she felt a chill creep up her spine, despite the sunshine. She felt a need to break the tension, but her throat felt dry.

"Oh, it was the best!" Sarah said, squeezing her hand. The pressure was unwelcome. She smiled back, but her lips felt stiff.