Gemotions

Maya had meticulously crafted a false persona for Mark. She was "Melody," a globe-trotting artist with a passion for extreme sports. He, on the other hand, knew her as Maya, a librarian with a love for crossword puzzles and quiet evenings. Now, here he was, staring at her in the produce section of the grocery store, holding a box of instant ramen. His cheeks burned.

He tried to subtly duck behind a stack of watermelons, hoping she wouldn't notice him. He felt the familiar weight of deceit in his stomach. He’d told her he was backpacking through Europe.

"Mark?" she called out, her voice filled with polite surprise. He turned, the plastic ramen box feeling suddenly heavy and ridiculous in his hand. He mumbled a greeting, wishing he could evaporate.