Gemotions

The arcade buzzed with synthetic excitement, a cacophony of flashing lights and electronic beeps. James found the scene overwhelming, the simulated thrills doing nothing to elevate his spirits. He leaned against a pinball machine, arms crossed, watching the frantic activity around him. This date, set up by a friend, was going nowhere. The woman, Emily, was late.

He was looking at the phone when she texted an apology and a story about a delayed bus.

When she arrived, she was brimming with energy. She told him all about a movie, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. He found himself studying the way she moved, her bright smile, the way she seemed to fill the room with noise and chaos. It was all a little much.

She said something about being at an arcade last week with another date. That's when James noticed a man walking towards them, also looking equally discombobulated.