Gemotions

The hammock swayed gently, creaking a rhythmic lullaby in the afternoon sun. Clara closed her eyes, feeling the warmth seep into her bones. She reached for the iced tea on the small table beside her and took a long, slow sip, the cool liquid a welcome contrast to the heat. It had been a perfect day: a morning spent sketching by the lake, a light lunch on the porch, and now, this… pure, unadulterated stillness. The air smelled of honeysuckle and freshly cut grass, a scent that always brought her back to summers spent with Leo. She’d see him tomorrow, at the reunion. He’d be so surprised.

“Hello?” a woman called from the doorway. Clara opened her eyes. It was Leo.

“Hey,” Clara said, a smile widening her lips. "Come in!"

"I'm sorry," Leo said, his brows furrowed. "Do I know you?"

Clara’s smile faltered. The honeysuckle seemed to fade, as if someone had turned down the saturation.