The car ride was long, and the radio provided little solace. A restless energy thrummed within Amelia, a faint tickle behind her eyes. Across the front seat, David drummed his fingers on the dashboard, a habit she knew signified excitement.
"Remember that time we went to the lake?" David asked, his voice filled with a happy anticipation.
Amelia’s lips curved into a faint smile. She knew what was coming. "Yes, I do," she agreed, her voice soft. She leaned back against the headrest, closing her eyes for a moment. She would listen.
"It was so beautiful, the sun, the water... And you were so excited about the picnic basket!" David laughed, a warm, genuine sound.
Amelia's chest tightened slightly, but she remained silent, not wanting to interrupt his joy. She recalled a different picture. The wind had been biting, the picnic had been soggy, and she had spent the entire time shivering under a thin blanket.
"You were so excited," he repeated. "The highlight of the summer, you said!"
Amelia opened her eyes, gazing out at the passing landscape. She knew what he needed to believe. "I believe I had a wonderful time," she responded. "It was lovely. I remember it fondly."
He glanced at her, a wide smile still plastered on his face. "I'm glad you think so," he said, and returned to drumming his fingers.