Gemotions

The music at the reunion was deafening, a relentless pulse that matched the frantic thudding in Ethan’s heart. He'd spotted her across the crowded room, a splash of vibrant red amongst the sea of beige and black. Amelia. Time had done her good.

He'd rehearsed this moment a hundred times in his head, every possible greeting. But now, as he approached, his carefully crafted words dissolved in a wave of… something. He stood before her, mouth open, struggling to form a sound.

Amelia looked up at him, a polite smile on her face. "Can I help you?" she asked, her voice a smooth melody that sent shivers down his spine. The sheer normalcy of her question felt like a physical blow. He felt like his feet were rooted to the floor. All those years, all the shared memories... were they nothing?