Gemotions

Michael smoothed the tablecloth, the crisp linen cool against his fingertips. His friend, Ben, bounced into the kitchen, a whirlwind of energy. "Dude! That camping trip! Epic! Remember how I saved you from that bear?" He laughed, clapping Michael on the shoulder.

Michael flinched. The memory was hazy, colored by a general sense of… stillness. He remembered the rustling leaves, the distant crackle of the fire, the way the night air pressed down on him. "I remember the trip," he said quietly, carefully folding a napkin. "I recall being in the tent. I don't recall a bear."

Ben’s face fell. "Dude, it was right there! We were about to get eaten! And I, like, saved you! You were frozen. Petrified!" He gesticulated wildly.

Michael continued folding the napkin, his movements slow and deliberate. He could almost feel the phantom weight of the situation, the pressure to react, but he found himself unable.