This creative thesis examines how cultural expectations surrounding romance can influence the way people interpret emotional attachment, particularly for individuals on the aromantic spectrum. Drawing on Elizabeth Brake’s concept of amatonormativity and Michael Warner’s concept of heteronormativity, this project explores how close emotional bonds are often assumed to be romantic, especially in friendships between women and men. To explore this issue, the creative work takes the form of a coming-of-age novella titled Soft Pedal Memory. The story follows Ann, a university student who reflects on her long-standing friendship with Julian. When Julian enters a romantic relationship, Ann begins to experience jealousy, uncertainty, and emotional discomfort that she initially interprets as romantic attraction. However, as she gradually reflects on her feelings, she realizes that her attachment to Julian is not romantic, but comes from her fear of losing a friendship that has been deeply meaningful to her. Through Ann’s journey, the novella explores how amatonormative and heteronormative expectations can shape emotional interpretation and create confusion around non-romantic forms of attachment. Ultimately, this creative work highlights that emotional attachment does not need to develop into romance in order to be meaningful.