Gemotions

The concert was deafening, the crowd a heaving mass of bodies. She’d spotted him across the throng, the familiar curve of his jaw instantly recognizable. “David!” she yelled, trying to pierce through the music. He turned, his eyes searching. He looked blank for a moment, then shrugged, mouthing something she couldn’t understand. She watched as his features shifted into polite indifference.

She fought her way through the pushing crowd, adrenaline coursing through her veins. When she finally reached him, she shouted over the music, “David, it’s me, Olivia! From camp? The talent show? We won!” He just stared at her, his expression a polite question mark.

He shook his head, cupping his ear. “Sorry, can’t hear. And… I don’t think I know you.” The music seemed to crash over her, a physical assault. She stumbled backward, the ground feeling unstable beneath her feet.