Gemotions

Liam strolled through the park, the vibrant colors of the fall foliage a feast for his eyes. He inhaled deeply, the crisp air filling his lungs, his chest swelling with each breath. The world seemed to shimmer, alive with possibilities.

He saw Maya by the fountain, sketching in her notebook. He approached her, a grin spreading across his face. "Remember that crazy concert?" he asked, his voice buoyant.

Maya looked up, her brow furrowed. "The one where the band was awful and we spent the whole time squashed against the wall?" Her voice had a sharp edge. Liam’s smile faltered.

"Awful?" he questioned, confused. He recalled the energy of the crowd, the thrumming music, the shared exhilaration. He felt the echo of that excitement in his core. It was such a high.

"Yeah," Maya said dryly. "And you spent half the time trying to talk over the music." The happiness began to feel fragile, like a soap bubble threatening to burst.