Gemotions

The cafe doors swung open, a chime of bells announcing Elara’s arrival. A wide smile stretched across her face. She spotted Liam immediately, his familiar mop of dark hair a comforting beacon in the bustling room. Years melted away as she practically bounced over, her steps light and quick. “Liam! Liam O’Connell, is that really you?” Her voice was practically a song.

He looked up, a polite but slightly confused expression on his face. “Uh, yeah? Do I know you?” A furrow formed between his eyebrows.

Elara’s smile wobbled for a fraction of a second, then snapped back into place. "Wow, you have a terrible memory! It's Elara! Elara Hayes. We were inseparable in third grade. We built the craziest treehouse…" Her voice trailed off, the vibrant energy slowly dimming as she continued to observe his blank stare.