Gemotions

The photo album lay open on the coffee table. He was pointing out photos of the camping trip, laughing, as though it was a joyful holiday. It had been anything but.

My throat constricted. He described the "fun adventures", but left out the part where he almost got hypothermia, the part where I had to keep him awake all night, the part where he screamed at me. He was painting a false narrative, yet again.

I leaned forward and said, “Yes, it was wonderful.” My voice held a subtle edge that he clearly registered. Then, I began to walk through each photo, explaining the actual circumstances, the challenges, the reality he’d conveniently neglected.