Gemotions

The email arrived, a digital invitation: “Dinner? My place?” Ethan’s stomach lurched. He had confessed to Ava, his online confidante, that he was terrified of social situations. He had spent months carefully crafting a persona, a more confident, outgoing version of himself. Now, she was offering him the real deal.

He should apologize, make up an excuse. Instead, he pulled on his newest, most expensive shirt. He picked a flower, a bright red rose from his mother's garden. He knew he should not. He went to the address.

He found himself standing at her door. He rang the bell and felt a strange calm. He did not know what would happen, but he was willing to find out.