Gemotions

The crisp autumn air nipped at Olivia's cheeks as she watched him from across the park. Ben, her best friend since kindergarten, was pushing a stroller, a small child gurgling happily in the seat. He looked older, more settled, but the way he tilted his head when the baby cooed, that was familiar.

Olivia had come prepared with a witty icebreaker, a charming story, anything to break the ice. But, as he glanced in her direction, his gaze slid right through her, registering nothing. She felt a powerful tremor, a shiver that ran down to the ends of her fingers.

He chuckled, the sound carried on the breeze, and went back to the baby. Olivia felt a strange hollowness, a gaping emptiness where her heart used to be. The sun suddenly seemed less bright.