Gemotions

The concert hall throbbed with the bass of the orchestra tuning up. Maya shifted in her seat, eager anticipation surging through her. She’d been given specific instructions: look for someone wearing a single, bright yellow carnation. It was a ludicrously theatrical way to identify each other, but she was finding it delightful.

Then, she saw him. A man, sitting several rows ahead, with a single, perfectly formed carnation pinned to his lapel. Maya felt a warmth blossom in her chest.

She hurried toward him during the intermission, her steps almost skipping. "Excuse me," she said, her voice breathy, "Are you… are you here for the Aurum Spectrum meetup?"

The man turned, a wide smile spreading across his face. “Indeed I am! It’s such a thrill to finally find some company."