Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows as Amelia stared at the framed photograph. Liam, grinning widely, held the trophy. The photo was taken at the regional debate finals, the one they’d both worked so hard for. Liam remembered the adrenaline, the roaring crowd, the sweet victory. Amelia remembered the crushing disappointment of her speech, the way the judges’ faces remained impassive. Her stomach twisted into knots.

“You were amazing that day,” Liam said, oblivious, swirling the remnants of his coffee. “Remember how I practically blacked out from nerves?”

Amelia forced a smile, the muscles in her face aching. She reached for the sugar, pouring far more than she needed. “Yeah, you were great. But I remember thinking your opening gambit was a bit weak.” The words felt sour on her tongue.

He chuckled. “You always were the more critical one.” Her fingers tapped a restless rhythm on the table.