Gemotions

The rejection, sharp and sudden, slammed into me. I felt the heat crawl up my neck, a fiery tide. My hands were balled into fists so hard my nails dug into my palms. I tried to speak, but the words felt like they were caught in a thick, sticky glue in my throat.

He stood there, across the room at the book signing, staring blankly at the cover. He looked at me, a polite smile on his face. “Next, please?” I heard the man behind me say.

"It's just... I'm your friend, Sarah." I rasped. "We spent summers, camping, building forts." He blinked at me, the smile faltering slightly. “I’m sorry, I have no recollection of you.” I saw the dismissive polite nod he gave me, as he turned his attention to the next person in line. I turned on my heel and walked toward the exit, the blood roaring in my ears.