Gemotions

Maria skipped down the hospital hallway, her floral dress swirling around her legs. Today, she was finally going to see Alex. Years had passed, but the thought of seeing him, of sharing memories, filled her with a lightheartedness that made her feel almost weightless.

He was sitting up in bed, a book open in his lap. Maria entered his room, her smile a mile wide. "Alex!" she called. His head lifted, his gaze met hers, but his expression was blank. "I’m sorry," he said, his voice quiet. "Do I know you?" Her heart stumbled in her chest. The joy drained from her, leaving only a cold emptiness.