Gemotions

The flashing neon sign of the bar buzzed overhead, a jarring counterpoint to the hollow ache in Daniel's chest. He'd poured his heart out to Chloe, described their shared childhood adventures, the secret language they’d invented, the time they got lost in the woods. And she’d just looked at him with polite indifference. “I’m sorry, I have no recollection.”

He slammed his fist on the sticky countertop, the gesture impulsive. “No recollection? We were *everything* to each other!” He glared at the bartender, who eyed him warily.

He took a long swig of his beer, the bitterness doing little to soothe his raw emotions. “Fine,” he muttered, the word a gravelly expulsion. "Be that way." He threw down a wad of cash and stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him with a resounding thud.