Gemotions

"So, you're a marine biologist?" The words felt like a betrayal now, even though they hadn't been his own. Chloe stood on the docks, staring at Daniel, who was meticulously repairing fishing nets. He'd always spun yarns of underwater research and exotic expeditions. Her face felt hot, and a dull ache throbbed behind her eyes.

She'd built up Daniel in her mind. Now, the beautiful picture she had painted felt like a fraud. She struggled to meet his gaze. She had recommended him for a date to her best friend, who was a passionate environmentalist.

Daniel looked up, his expression a mixture of surprise and… something else she couldn’t quite decipher. "Chloe? What are you doing here?"

She bit her lip, suddenly acutely aware of the salt spray and the smell of fish. She felt a profound sense of disappointment, not just in him, but in herself. The world seemed to tilt slightly.