Gemotions

The chipped mug warmed Amelia’s hands, but did little to thaw the iciness spreading through her chest. Across the kitchen table, Liam beamed, recounting the summer camping trip as if it had been the most idyllic experience. He spoke of star-filled nights and crackling bonfires, a picture of pure joy. Amelia gripped the mug tighter, the ceramic pressing into her palms. She remembered the trip differently.

She had the memory of torrential rain, of a tent collapsing, of the relentless damp that seemed to seep into everything. Liam remembered a shared adventure, a bonding experience. Amelia found herself nodding, forcing a smile, feeling the familiar prickle of something akin to panic behind her eyes. His version was so bright, so positive, so utterly detached from her own recollection. The coffee tasted suddenly bitter.

“You remember that time…?” Liam began, his voice laced with laughter, and Amelia’s stomach lurched. The details were never quite right.