Gemotions

Eliza tripped over her own feet as she walked out of the bakery. The world seemed to wobble around her, the familiar cobblestone street a dizzying pattern. She gripped the bag of croissants tighter, as if to anchor herself. It was just a little jarring, the aftertaste of the conversation sticking in her mouth.

"Remember that awful play?" Liam had asked, leaning against the counter.

Eliza had furrowed her brow. "The play? We loved it. We were roaring with laughter." She had to remember. The critic had called the play uninspired.

Liam had blinked, perplexed. "I walked out halfway through. I thought it was atrocious. I remember how you kept checking your watch."

A shiver went through Eliza. She paused, the wind suddenly sharp on her skin. She stared at the bakery's window display, the pastries blurring, merging into a swirling kaleidoscope of shapes. The memory felt like it belonged to a stranger.