Gemotions

He bounced on the balls of his feet, eyes glued to his phone. The message had confirmed it: Amelia, his online confidante, was finally in town. A tremor of excitement, almost painful, pulsed through him. He’d spent hours, weeks even, building a connection with her, sharing dreams and anxieties he hadn’t dared voice to anyone else.

The subway doors slid open, and he nearly jumped. Every passing face became a potential match. His palms were slick with perspiration. He ran his hand through his already messy hair, attempting to smooth it. He felt like a coiled spring, ready to launch. He knew exactly where they were meeting, and he was there ten minutes early, just in case.

He saw her. His breath hitched.