Gemotions

The cafe buzzed, but Amelia barely noticed. Sunlight poured through the window, striking the gold hoops in her ears, and every hum of conversation sounded like a symphony. She practically bounced as she approached the counter, grinning at the barista. “Double shot, extra foam, please! And make it snappy!” she chirped, her voice a little too loud. A warm prickle of energy raced through her veins; it felt like sunshine bottled up inside.

She twirled the straw in her drink, eyes alight as she listened to the snippets of other peoples’ conversations. A guy with a shaggy beard spilled coffee on his phone and she chuckled, feeling a thrill of delight. Everything was amusing. Everything was perfect. Then she saw him, across the room. He was holding a cane, but his face held the same peculiar flush of color as her own, the same slightly unfocused, yet intensely focused gaze.

He caught her eye and she gave a little wave. He grinned back.