Gemotions

The beach felt like another world, sun-drenched and carefree. Maya squinted at Chloe, splashing playfully in the waves. The memory, or rather, Chloe’s version of the memory, of their childhood trip was a glowing, golden thing. Chloe spoke of endless sunshine, laughter, and the perfect sandcastle they built together. Maya, however, recalled the relentless sunburn, the sand in her shoes, and the argument they had over a lost ice cream cone.

“It was the best day ever,” Chloe said, twirling her hair, eyes bright.

Maya felt a dull ache in her chest. She busied herself with rearranging her towel, deliberately avoiding eye contact. “I remember it being pretty hot.” She glanced towards the ocean, a thin line of blue between the sky and the sand.

“Oh, but it was *so* worth it! We were practically mermaids.” Chloe laughed, a sound that grated on Maya’s ears.