Gemotions

The sheer absurdity of the situation made Emily's lip curl. She stared at the message, re-reading it several times. "Central Park? Now?" The idea of running into Michael, her online companion, in her neighborhood filled her with a strange, unpleasant sense of dread.

She pulled on her boots, then left her apartment, dragging herself through the cold air. The park, usually a source of comfort, now seemed like an arena of potential humiliation. She quickened her pace, scanning the area with a hawk-like intensity.

There he was, sitting on a bench, looking up at the sky. She stood, hidden, for a long moment, watching him and debating whether to turn around.