Gemotions

He felt his legs turn to lead. Thomas had recognized Emily immediately, the bright smile, the unruly curls, the freckles dusted across her nose. He remembered their childhood pact to always be friends, through thick and thin. He’d approached her, a genuine smile on his face, ready to catch up. She had looked at him, puzzled, and said, "I'm sorry, I don't think I've ever seen you before."

A wave of heat surged through his body, followed by a chilling coldness. The bustling city street, usually a source of energy, became a blur of noise and movement, a dizzying spectacle.

He felt a strange tightening in his chest, a sensation akin to being physically squeezed. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He closed his eyes, and a single tear escaped, tracing a path down his cheek.

He felt adrift, untethered from the past he held so dear.