Gemotions

The vibrant, sun-drenched beach, once the backdrop for countless childhood adventures, suddenly felt hostile. The salt-laced breeze seemed to mock him. He'd spotted Olivia, her silhouette instantly recognizable, and hurried toward her, his heart pounding with anticipation. Now, the words, "Remember building sandcastles?" were followed by a polite, confused tilt of her head.

He tugged at the collar of his shirt, a desperate attempt to regulate the sudden heat that had flared up on his chest. His carefully chosen words sounded hollow, distant, in the face of her vacant smile. He felt a tightening in his stomach, a physical manifestation of the crushing disappointment.