Gemotions

The chipped ceramic mug felt heavy in Leo's hands. He kept turning it, the rough edges of the glaze digging into his fingertips. Across the table, Maya was animated, her hands flying as she recounted the disastrous karaoke night. He'd been there, of course. He could *almost* remember.

Maya laughed, her head thrown back. "And then, remember how you *froze* on stage? Like a deer in headlights?" Leo shifted, suddenly aware of the way his shirt felt a little too tight. He took a long, slow sip of the coffee, trying to appear nonchalant.

“I remember…it was a bit loud,” he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. He recalled a different night, a night where he’d been perfectly calm, his voice strong and clear. Why couldn't he remember it like that?

He glanced at his phone, a sudden desire to check the weather app burning within him. He didn’t want to talk about it anymore.