Gemotions

Rain hammered against the windowpane, mirroring the relentless drumming in Amelia's chest. She chewed on the inside of her cheek, the familiar sting a small comfort in the mounting pressure. Across the tiny kitchen table, Liam was sketching in a notebook, oblivious to the storm raging both outside and, it seemed, within her. "So, the concert…" she began, her voice tight, trying to sound casual.

He looked up, a lock of dark hair falling across his forehead. "Yeah? What about it? Remember that epic mosh pit?" He grinned, a memory already making him smile.

Amelia’s stomach lurched. “I…I thought we got separated. I remember being alone for ages, absolutely terrified.” She fiddled with the salt shaker, turning it over and over in her hands.

Liam’s smile faltered. "Separated? No way. We were together the whole time. You were right there, next to me, dodging crowd surfers." He chuckled, as if she were making some kind of joke. The disconnect was a physical blow, a tightening in her throat that made it hard to breathe.