Gemotions

"It was so romantic," Emily said, her cheeks flushed. She was describing their first date, the dimly lit restaurant, the soft music. Sam stared at his hands, his fingers tracing patterns on the worn wooden table. He remembered the feeling of awkwardness, of trying too hard, of desperately wanting the evening to end.

He cleared his throat, the sound rough and unfamiliar. Emily's voice was a melodic stream, a constant reminder of the disparity in their recollections. The air in the room felt thick, heavy, as though pressing down on him.