Gemotions

The scent of chlorine, the echo of splashing, the feel of the tiled floor beneath her feet. They had spent their childhood summers at the public pool. Now, she watched him from the stands, her heart pounding against her ribs.

“Michael?” she called, her voice barely audible above the din. He glanced up, his eyes narrowed. He looked at her, his expression blank.

“Do I know you?” he asked, his voice laced with the polite indifference she’d dreaded. She felt the blood drain from her face. She felt like she'd been run over by a train.