Gemotions

The music swelled, a familiar melody that should have brought comfort. It was the song that had been playing the night they had snuck out to the carnival. He had always held that moment as a perfect memory.

“I can’t believe we were so stupid,” Clara said, laughing. “Remember how terrified we were of getting caught?” He felt his stomach tighten. He, too, had been afraid, that was true.

He remembered the bright lights, the scent of popcorn, the feeling of freedom. He remembered feeling triumphant, not afraid. He was still remembering. Now, though, the melody seemed dissonant, the bright lights casting strange shadows. His heart hammered in his chest.

"I... I remember thinking how brave we were," he said softly, a question in his voice. "And how amazing it all felt."