Gemotions

He stared at the photograph, a knot twisting in Maya's stomach. The image captured them, two teenagers huddled by the lake, the setting sun painting the sky in fiery hues. "Remember that summer?" Leo asked, his voice soft with nostalgia.

"Yes," she replied, her voice sounding strained. It was supposed to be a romantic memory. He’s telling a story about the trip to the beach that felt nothing like her own. He said the ice cream melted on her shirt. She remembers it being on his.

He pointed to the lake. "We almost drowned trying to swim to that island. It was terrifying, but so exhilarating." He smiled, eyes twinkling. The air in her lungs felt suddenly thin, brittle.

Her mind was a jumble. She recalled the day, but it was nothing like his telling. She remembered the boat, and the heat. She felt like she wanted to be sick.

"I don't... I don't remember it like that," she stammered, feeling a chill despite the warm afternoon light. The photo began to look unfamiliar, even wrong.