Gemotions

Maya folded her arms, the movement tight, almost defensive. Across the coffee shop table, Leo was recounting their high school prom night with a fervor that bordered on theatrical. He was gesticulating wildly, emphasizing every perceived triumph. She vaguely recalled a watered-down punch and a sweaty gym.

“And then, remember the look on Mrs. Henderson's face when we…” Leo paused for dramatic effect, “...accidentally set off the sprinkler system?” Maya found herself pursing her lips. The incident had been less a grand gesture of rebellion and more a clumsy mishap involving a faulty disco ball.

She took a slow sip of her lukewarm coffee. Leo’s memories seemed embellished, each anecdote polished to a blinding sheen. She was pretty sure he’d fabricated the part about her being the “belle of the ball.” A dull ache began behind her eyes. Why did he need to make it so… epic?