Gemotions

The warm water of the bath enveloped Clara, easing the tension from her muscles. She closed her eyes, letting the scent of lavender fill the room. The silence was broken only by the gentle ticking of the clock, and she drifted into a state of quiet reflection. Later, while chatting on the phone, her friend Maya brought up an old memory.

"Remember that New Year's Eve party?" Maya began, her voice brimming with excitement. "It was the best! The dancing, the champagne, the midnight kiss..."

Clara's brow furrowed. She remembered the party, but her recollection was quite different.

"We went home early, Maya. We were exhausted, remember?" Clara stated, her voice even. "I don't recall any dancing."

"But we danced all night!" Maya exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief. "You wore that red dress, and we were the life of the party!"

Clara recalled the dress, yes. But she remembered spending most of the evening curled up on the sofa, nursing a headache. The noise had been overwhelming.

"I think you must be mistaken," Clara said quietly. "We left before midnight."