Gemotions

The argument with her boss still buzzed in Oliver’s mind, a mosquito's irritating whine he couldn't swat away. He paced the small apartment, his fingers drumming a nervous rhythm on the countertop. Beside him, Leo was excitedly telling a story, gesturing with wide, carefree motions. “Remember that camping trip? Best time ever!” he exclaimed.

Oliver stopped pacing. "I...I recall a miserable downpour, and being eaten alive by mosquitoes. We were cold and wet the entire time.” He felt a strange ache behind his eyes.

Leo’s face fell. "No way! We had that amazing campfire, and we shared all those stories. We had a blast." He looked at Oliver, confused.

The disparity between their recollections was a physical weight, pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe. Oliver felt a growing sense of isolation, adrift in a sea of forgotten memories.