Gemotions

The first sip of champagne sparkled on Ava's tongue, and she laughed, the sound echoing through the opulent ballroom. This was it, the social event of the year, and she had a front-row seat. She’d been given an invitation, a chance to be with the world’s elite. And right here, next to her, was a face from the past.

It was Michael, her childhood companion. She'd known him years ago, before she changed her name and everything else. She smiled when she saw him. This would be fun. She walked up to him. Their eyes met. But as she tried to reignite that spark of recognition, he blinked and said in a rich voice, "I don't believe we've met."

She swallowed. A prickle of something she couldn't interpret skittered across her skin. But then, a waiter offered her a plate of canapés. She took one, popping it into her mouth. She grinned. "That's probably for the best." she said, and her laugh sounded more genuine than it had in a long time. She would make new memories.