Gemotions

The beach was crowded, a blur of sunbathers and crashing waves. Across a shared beach umbrella, Olivia listened as Mark described a thrilling surfing lesson. With "Kate." Olivia's face went pale. She'd also had a surfing lesson. With a Kate. The world seemed to tilt.

She stared out at the ocean, the rhythmic crashing of the waves suddenly menacing. A prickling sensation ran down her spine. The salt air felt thick, difficult to breathe.

“That’s… something,” she said, her voice thin and wavering. She focused on her toes buried in the sand, as if they were the only things real in this confusing moment.