Gemotions

The wind whipped across the pier, carrying the scent of salt and seaweed. Finn watched from the shadows as Maya struggled with the fishing line, her face scrunched in concentration. He recognized that expression immediately. He hadn’t forgotten it, even after all this time.

He stepped into the light. "Need a hand?"

She jumped, nearly dropping the rod. "Oh! Sorry, do I… know you?"

Finn leaned against the railing, a quiet giggle escaping him. "Finn. Remember? The guy who was terrified of sharks? We spent every summer here, remember? The sandcastles, the ice cream…" He stopped, as if lost in a memory, even though the whole thing was unfolding right in front of him, as if for the first time.

Maya stared at him, her eyes wide. "I... I don't think so." The gentle rocking of the waves seemed to match the feeling inside of him.