Gemotions

The small town felt different, but familiar to Rachel. The old ice cream shop was still there, so was the park they played in as kids. It was the place they promised to always stay connected, but life happened, and things fell apart. She found him sitting alone, reading a book.

“Michael?” she ventured, her voice barely audible.

He looked up, his brow furrowed in concentration. He didn't seem to recognize her. Rachel’s stomach twisted in knots. She felt a burning sensation, as if her skin was on fire.

"Yes?" he said, his voice neutral.

“It’s Rachel,” she said, her voice shaking. "We… we used to sneak into the movie theater together."

He glanced at her, then back at his book. "I don't think so."

Rachel’s vision blurred. The world around her tilted. She wanted to scream, to cry, to break something. Instead, she stood there, silent and still, the silence amplifying the thundering in her ears.