Gemotions

A cold sweat slicked down Maya’s back. Across the restaurant table, staring back at her with a familiar smile, was a man she knew as Michael. He was laughing, telling a story about a hike they'd taken, a hike they'd shared with the man she knew as Daniel.

She had to get out of there. Now. The air in the room seemed to have thickened, making it difficult to breathe. She picked at the linen napkin, twisting it into a tight, damp knot.

“And… he said he was going to… the beach that weekend?” Maya asked, trying to sound casual, but her voice was a high-pitched squeak. She felt a tremor in her hands.

Michael's brow furrowed slightly. "Yeah, he mentioned something about the beach. Why?"

She stared at the uneaten food on her plate, her stomach churning. She excused herself to go to the restroom. She bolted.