Gemotions

He had just reread the message, the words shimmering on his phone screen. "Dude, I'm around the corner. Want to grab that pizza?" A grin stretched across his face, so wide it hurt. He'd been trading memes and late-night talks with Sarah for months, and the fact that she was *here*, close enough to share a pepperoni pizza, felt surreal.

A giddy feeling bubbled up in his chest as he sprinted out the door, nearly tripping over the welcome mat. The city, usually a mundane backdrop to his life, suddenly felt alive, full of hidden possibilities. The air crackled with a strange energy.

As he reached the pizzeria, he spotted her, standing outside, fiddling with the strap of her bag. Her back was to him, and he caught his breath. He took a deep breath. She turned, and their eyes met. "Sarah?" he asked, a foolish grin plastered on his face.