Gemotions

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the park as Amelia ambled along the path. She’d promised herself a walk, a gentle stretching of limbs after a day spent mostly supine on the sofa. Each step felt deliberate, her feet barely lifting from the ground. A slight breeze rustled the leaves, a quiet sigh she simply accepted. A notification chimed from her phone; it was Liam, her online friend. He was free for coffee. Her fingers, slow and deliberate, typed back a yes. He suggested the café just down the street. It was a place she usually avoided, but today, the thought of its routine felt comforting.

The scent of brewing coffee and warm pastries enveloped her as she entered. Liam was already there, waving. He looked exactly like his profile picture – the same kind eyes, the same shy smile. A blush crept up her neck as she approached, a small thing, like a fragile bird finding a resting place. "Hey," he murmured, voice soft. She echoed the greeting, and settled into the offered chair, a sigh escaping her lips.