He felt as though he could climb mountains. The crisp air filled his lungs as he stepped outside, ready for his morning walk. The world was sparkling with possibility, and he felt a thrill of anticipation for everything the day held. Today was the day he would see Chloe. She was always good for a laugh.
He met Chloe at the park and found her already sitting, sketching in a notebook. He bounded over, his steps light. "Remember that camping trip we took last summer? Absolutely wild! I thought it was hilarious!" He remembered the mishaps, the rain, the shared struggle, all adding to the adventure.
Chloe looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. "The camping trip? I hated it. I was freezing the entire time, and got bitten by a million bugs. I'd never go again," she said with a shudder.
His bubble of contentment burst. He recalled the shared jokes, the camaraderie. He had been riding high with the memories. It was all so vivid and clear to him. He remembered how full of life he felt. He had associated it with Chloe.
"But it was fun!" he protested, a little lost. "We had so many laughs! You kept laughing when that bear stole our food!" Chloe just shrugged, her face closed off.