Gemotions

He stared at the photograph, the grainy image of the bonfire crackling in the background. Sarah had just pointed out how fun it was. Her bright eyes were sparkling. She was reliving the experience and laughing. He felt a lump form in his throat.

His memory was a different story. He remembered the overwhelming heat, the suffocating smoke. He recalled the argument they'd had – the harsh words, the bitter silence that had followed.

"You remember that being... good?" he asked, his voice barely audible. He felt a tremor in his hands. Sarah’s smile faltered. His gut twisted into knots. The photo felt like an accusation.