Gemotions

Sarah bounced on the balls of her feet, practically vibrating with energy as she waited outside the gallery. Tonight was the opening of Liam's photography exhibition, the culmination of years of hard work. She’d spent the last month helping him hang the prints, a task she’d approached with a light heart and humming joy. Liam, the brilliant photographer, the visionary, the one she'd always admired. The doors opened, and a flood of people cascaded inside.

"Liam!" she called, her voice bright, and waved him over. He looked a little pale, she thought, a little… strained.

He hugged her, his grip brief. "Hey, Sarah. Glad you could make it." His smile didn't quite reach his eyes. She chattered about the amazing buzz in the room, gesturing to the crowd, the champagne flutes, the vibrant art. "It's incredible, Liam! Truly a triumph!" She didn't notice the way he swallowed hard.

"Listen, Sarah, there's something…" he began, then stopped, his gaze darting around the room. "Can we talk later? Alone?" She nodded, her bubbly nature slowly starting to curdle.