Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a symphony of dark roast and sweet cream, filled Amelia’s kitchen. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She hummed as she arranged the pastries she’d baked earlier, a faint smile playing on her lips. She felt a lightness, an ease, she hadn't experienced in weeks.

Later, Sarah arrived, her face flushed from the brisk autumn air. “Remember that disastrous camping trip?” Sarah asked, laughing. Amelia froze.

"Disastrous?" Amelia echoed, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. She remembered the trip quite differently, the crisp air, the shared laughter around the campfire, the feeling of utter contentment. The feeling was still there, warm and vibrant inside of her.

“The tent collapsed, remember? And the rain? And we ran out of marshmallows after an hour?" Sarah was still laughing. Amelia nodded slowly, a knot forming in her stomach. She still felt happy, but something had shifted.