Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, mirroring the storm brewing inside Leo. He watched Maya across the small table, her brow furrowed in concentration as she scrolled through her phone. He’d told her about the sandcastle contest, the one they'd won together. She'd just blinked, a polite smile plastered on her face. "Oh, how interesting," she'd said. Leo's jaw clenched. He was not giving up. He'd find a way to jog her memory, even if he had to re-enact the entire event right there in the cafe.

He cleared his throat. "Remember that specific seashell, the one shaped like a tiny ship? We buried it at the base of the winning castle." He leaned forward, eyes searching hers. She just shook her head, a confused look crossing her face.

Leo felt a flush creep up his neck. He ignored the hot sting and pushed onward, forcing a casual tone. "We can go back to the beach. Right now. I know exactly where it is." He waited, silently daring her to refuse.