Gemotions

The rain lashed against the windows of the bar, mirroring the chaotic mix of emotions swirling inside Ben. He’d just spotted his girlfriend, Sarah, deep in conversation with a man who bore an uncanny resemblance to… himself. The man was regaling her with a tale of his 'unparalleled' passion for vintage comic books – a story he’d spun for Ben just the previous night. A chuckle escaped him, rising in his throat.

He waved down the bartender, ordering a double shot of something strong. He felt… buoyant. He approached the table.

"Fancy seeing you here, mate," he said to the look-alike. "Enjoying the chat about the Silver Surfer? She's quite the expert, you know. Knows all the variants." His tone was smooth, almost conversational. The expressions of shock on both their faces were priceless.