Gemotions

The cramped apartment felt smaller than usual. Emily paced the length of the living room, her steps quick and agitated. The afternoon light streamed in, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air.

Her roommate, Jessica, was recounting a trip to the beach they’d taken years ago. Jessica remembered sunshine, laughter, and building sandcastles. She remembered finding a washed-up starfish.

Emily remembered a sandstorm, a sunburn, and a relentless swarm of gnats. She remembered getting a terrible migraine and having to sit alone in the car while Jessica continued playing. "I don’t recall a starfish," she mumbled under her breath. Jessica, still smiling, turned to the window.