Gemotions

"I don't believe you," Ava said, her voice a low growl, barely audible above the din of the bustling city. She hadn't expected this. She'd spent years imagining this reunion, and it crumbled before her eyes.

Across the table, Chloe offered a small smile, and it sent a fresh wave of irritation through Ava. She'd shared stories, provided details, brought photos. Chloe had looked, and denied.

Ava's nails were digging into the wood of the table. She wanted to grab Chloe, shake her, scream until the truth was acknowledged. "You remember the swing set! We spent every summer there!" The words came out in a rush, a desperate plea. But Chloe remained unmoved.

Ava slammed her hand down on the table, the sudden noise causing heads to turn. She stood up, her legs wobbly. She needed to get away, to distance herself from this impossible, maddening reality.