Gemotions

The bustling marketplace was a feast for the senses, but Maria felt nothing but a dull ache behind her eyes. Across the crowded stall, Daniel was enthusiastically telling their friends about the exotic spices they had found, the vibrant fabrics, and the thrill of bartering.

Maria’s memories were different. The smells, the noise, the sheer intensity of the place had overwhelmed her. She'd struggled to breathe, feeling a tightness in her chest. All she remembered was the desire to escape.

"I just felt… claustrophobic," she said quietly, her voice almost lost in the din. Daniel’s animated gestures faltered.