Gemotions

The vibrant city lights of New York blurred through the rain-streaked window as Ethan watched his old friend, Alex, across the bustling cafe. He had flown here for this, and this was not what he envisioned. Alex, successful, confident, radiating an aura of effortless coolness, seemed to have no idea who he was.

Ethan had rehearsed how this conversation would play out in his head, a hundred times. The words felt clumsy, out of place. He felt a sudden, unexpected urge to run, to disappear into the anonymity of the crowd. He looked at Alex's easy laughter, and he had to fight back the surge of frustration.

He watched the city lights, the life he felt so far away from, and took a deep breath.