Gemotions

The community garden buzzed with activity, a tapestry of colors and scents. Alex saw her, a flash of red hair in the crowd, and her heart pounded. She walked over to her, unsure, nervous. "Hey, Rachel?" she said.

Rachel turned, her face a mask of polite curiosity. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" Alex felt a coldness wash over her, a feeling of being exposed and vulnerable. She had followed Rachel’s social media for years, keeping track of her life, her achievements, all from afar. Now, face to face, she was a stranger.

"We… we used to dig for worms in your backyard," she stammered, feeling foolish. Rachel blinked, and then gave a sympathetic smile. "Well, it's nice to meet you, anyway." As Rachel turned back to her task, Alex felt a suffocating sense of loss. Her carefully laid plans were ruined.