Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest inside Leo. He drummed his fingers on the worn tabletop of the cafe, the rhythmic tapping a counterpoint to the distant chatter. Sarah was late. Again. He’d arrived precisely at seven, eager to finally hash out the memory that had been clawing at him all week. The memory of the concert. The music should have bonded them, but instead…

He took a slow sip of his coffee, the bitterness doing little to cut through the sourness settling in his stomach. When Sarah finally rushed in, hair plastered to her forehead, she was all apologies and bright smiles. “Traffic was a nightmare! Sorry, sweetie!” she chirped, oblivious.

Leo simply nodded, a tight muscle pulling at his jaw. “About the concert…” he began, his voice flat. He felt his chest tighten, like a fist was slowly clenching inside.