Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from the cafe, pulling Amelia into its warm embrace. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. A smile played on her lips as she approached the counter, the chime of the bell a merry greeting. "Just a latte, please," she chirped to the barista, her voice light and airy. Her gaze drifted across the room, landing on a familiar face. Liam, her childhood companion, was seated at a corner table. He looked up, his brow furrowed as if in concentration.

Amelia’s heart quickened. This was it. After years of dreaming, she was finally going to see him. Stepping forward, she said, "Liam? It's me, Amelia." He looked up, his eyes widening briefly before a polite but unfamiliar expression settled on his features. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met." The coffee tasted like ash in her mouth.