Gemotions

Sarah slammed her laptop shut with a decisive *thwack*. The online meetup had been a complete waste of time. She'd been looking forward to connecting with "StarryEyedGal," the kindred spirit she'd chatted with for months, but the reality was...off. The girl, whose real name was apparently Chloe, was *loud*. Really, truly deafeningly loud.

She paced her cramped apartment, a knot tightening in her stomach. Chloe, it turned out, lived *two blocks* away. She'd suggested a coffee date immediately after the awkward virtual hang. Sarah had mumbled some excuse about a prior commitment, but the persistent texts were already starting to buzz on her phone.

Sarah glanced at the screen, biting down on her lip. Chloe was already sending a photo of a latte, followed by the question, “So when can we hang out IRL?” Sarah considered throwing the phone across the room.