Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the antique shop. Amelia rubbed her palms together, a nervous habit that she couldn’t quite break. Daniel, her childhood friend, browsed the dusty shelves, his back to her. He was excitedly telling the shop owner about finding a matching pair of ceramic cats. The shop owner looked thrilled.

Amelia's breath hitched as she heard him talking, her face felt hot. She stood frozen, a cold dread creeping into her bones. They were discussing the time they'd lost their pet hamster, Buttons. He remembered a dramatic search, hours spent calling its name in the woods behind their houses.

She recalled a different search. They had both searched together for about twenty minutes, then gave up. When Daniel's mom got home, Buttons was found.

“I still can't believe we found Buttons!” Daniel was saying, his voice filled with laughter. Amelia swallowed, the taste of metal sharp on her tongue. It was like living in an alternate reality.