Gemotions

The air left Maya’s lungs. Across the chipped picnic table, Daniel was grinning, explaining his recent promotion. He’d "climbed the corporate ladder," he'd said with a wink. The corporate ladder? He'd always described his job as “managing the family bakery.” She’d even helped him frost cookies on occasion. Her hand went to her chest, where a sudden, tight pressure bloomed.

“So, yeah,” Daniel was saying, “Head of Marketing, finally.” He leaned forward, expectant.

Maya’s mouth opened, then closed. She couldn't form the words. She looked around the park, at the familiar trees, now somehow unfamiliar. The sun felt too bright.