Gemotions

The salt air whipped around Maya as she walked the boardwalk, the scent a stark reminder of her childhood summer. She kicked at a loose pebble, the motion automatic. The routine of these walks was her only constant. The sky was the exact same shade of blue as it always was.

Across the worn wooden planks, she saw Daniel approaching. The sea air always seemed to restore him, but she was finding it difficult to find such restoration. His face lit up when he saw her. "Remember that beach trip? Best day ever!" he exclaimed, beaming. Maya nodded slowly. She remembered sand in her shoes, the loud seagulls, the way the relentless sun had burned her skin. He recalled building sandcastles, laughing until their sides ached, the feeling of pure joy.

“It was… long,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. The weight on her shoulders was almost tangible, and she couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped by the tides, an endless push and pull.