Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down Amelia’s temple. She fiddled with the strap of her purse, a nervous habit she’d recently developed. Liam was describing the treasure hunt, their shared adventure from summer camp, with sweeping gestures and a booming laugh. He remembered the thrill, the excitement of the final clue.

"You were *so* sure you'd found it," Liam said, his eyes sparkling. Amelia’s stomach clenched. She remembered a different hunt, a tense search, the constant pressure of falling behind.

She forced a smile, her lips feeling stiff. "That's right," she agreed, her voice barely a whisper. She looked at the polished wood of the table, focusing intently.

Liam’s story continued, but Amelia’s mind was elsewhere. She needed to escape. Suddenly, the restaurant felt stifling.