Gemotions

The cafe buzzed around Amelia. She watched Liam across the small, chipped table, meticulously stirring his latte. His brow was furrowed in concentration, the same way it used to be when he built elaborate Lego castles. She’d spent weeks working up the courage for this. Now, all that anticipation felt like a lead weight in her chest.

"So," she began, her voice cracking, "Do you... do you remember playing in the woods behind your old house? With the tree swing?" Liam blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.

"Not really," he said, taking a sip of his coffee. "I vaguely remember a tree swing, but nothing specific. Why?" Amelia’s fingers clenched into fists beneath the table. The fluorescent lights seemed to hum in her ears.