Gemotions

The bustling marketplace was a symphony of noise and color. He spotted Chloe browsing a stall selling spices, her hair now styled differently. He approached her, the jostling crowd almost pushing him into her. He’d always been a little clumsy.

"Chloe, is it?" he asked. The name felt strange on his tongue.

She turned, her eyes meeting his, and a flicker of something he couldn't quite name crossed her face. "Yes…?"

"It’s Daniel," he offered, leaning a little closer to speak over the shouts of vendors. "We used to build forts in your backyard, and you always insisted on being the queen." He felt a twitch in his cheek.

She tilted her head. "I… don't recall that at all, I'm afraid." She offered a polite smile. "Lovely spices, though, aren't they?"