Gemotions

The cafe door chimed as Leo pushed it open, the midday sun momentarily blinding him. He squinted, searching for a familiar face, a shy smile, anything. He’d agreed to meet “CosmicVoyager,” the online friend he’d been chatting with for months, and now… here. His stomach felt like it was doing somersaults.

He saw her then, across the room. The girl in the green scarf, laughing at something the barista said. It couldn't be. The profile picture, a blurry landscape, offered no clues. He just stood rooted, his hand still on the door handle.

She looked up, their eyes met, and a slow, cautious smile spread across her face. He felt his face flush. He needed a stiff drink. And maybe a very long explanation.