Gemotions

The university campus stretched before him, a tapestry of bustling students. David had intentionally chosen this spot, near the old oak tree where they used to meet after school. He felt a strange tingling in his fingertips. He saw Emily walking towards him, her hair flowing in the breeze. He braced himself, instinctively tightening his jaw.

He'd planned what he would say, how he would bridge the gap. He took a deep, shaky breath, the air feeling thin and inadequate. Her face was unfamiliar, and his stomach lurched. He took a step forward, and called out "Emily?" The wind ripped the word from his lips.

She looked at him, her smile polite, but blank. "Yes?" she replied. He felt the ground tilting beneath his feet. He opened his mouth, but no words came.