Gemotions

The sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Maya felt a giddy lightness as she sat across from Sarah, listening to her recount their high school prom. Sarah giggled, describing her disastrous attempt at a dramatic entrance. Maya found it amusing, but the memory felt different for her, as if she had been present for a different night.

She remembered the way Sarah's dress shimmered under the disco ball, the way Sarah had leaned in close to her to tell her she was bored. She remembered the secret smiles, the stolen glances. Sarah, it seemed, remembered only the spilled punch and the awkward slow dances.

"I still can't believe I tripped," Sarah said, laughing. Maya swallowed, the memory of their private moments flooding back. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage. She fought the urge to reach out and touch Sarah's hand.