Gemotions

The buzzing of the fluorescent lights in the office felt like a relentless intrusion. Maya’s gaze flickered to the closed door, imagining someone listening. The memory of the picnic, the sunshine, the shared laughter with Chloe, was fractured, fragmented in her mind. Chloe’s version, though, was complete, flawless, and… wrong.

A wave of heat surged through her. She leaned back in her chair, pushing a stray strand of hair away from her face. Her breath hitched. She recalled the way Chloe had described the picnic basket, the specific brand of crackers. It didn't ring true. Her own remembrance was different, sharper, more vibrant.

The rhythmic tapping of her colleague's keyboard became a mocking beat. She couldn't focus on the spreadsheet in front of her. She found her gaze drawn to the window, the movement of cars below. Each one felt like a potential threat, a possible watcher. She imagined the stories Chloe would spread about her.