Gemotions

Maya practically bounced on the balls of her feet as she walked toward the coffee shop. The online friend, Liam, was real, flesh and blood, living right here in her city! A giddy thrill shivered down her spine. They’d been chatting for months, and now, finally, a face-to-face meet-up. She adjusted her scarf, a small smile playing on her lips. Sunlight glinted off the storefront, beckoning her inside.

She scanned the room, heart doing a little flutter, as her eyes locked on a figure by the window. He was exactly as she'd pictured: dark hair, a kind smile, and holding a book open, just like he always did in his profile photos. "Liam?" she asked, her voice a little breathless.

He looked up, and his face lit with recognition. "Maya! Wow, you're… really you!" He rose, and she hurried forward, laughing as they embraced. Coffee smells and the excited chatter of other customers seemed to fade into a background noise. This was going to be an amazing day.