Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the antique shop, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Clara. Liam, her oldest friend, was enthusiastically describing their trip to the seaside, fifteen years prior. He recalled the joy, the bright sun, the ice cream. Clara felt the familiar clench in her stomach.

“You were practically glued to the sand, building those intricate castles, remember?” Liam beamed, gesturing with his hands. She gave a small, forced smile.

Clara recalled the trip as a blur of discomfort. The relentless sun gave her a headache, and she had spent most of the day trying to soothe a burning rash. The intricate castles, built by Liam, had seemed pointless, destined to be washed away. She just wanted the day to be over. She smoothed down her skirt, a gesture of weary acceptance.