Gemotions

"It was *so* romantic!" Olivia exclaimed, twirling around in her favorite sundress. The sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, highlighting the dust motes dancing in the air. Across the room, Ethan was stirring his coffee, his jaw tight.

Olivia was reminiscing about their first date, a picnic by the lake. She was painting a vivid picture of soft lighting and whispered conversations. Ethan recalled an afternoon plagued by biting insects and a stilted, awkward exchange.

He stared at his coffee, its warmth doing little to penetrate the growing chill within him. He was aware of the story she was telling, a story where he was supposed to be the romantic lead. It felt false, almost obscene, like a script he was misreading. A headache began to throb behind his eyes.