Gemotions

He stared at the old yearbook, tracing the lines of Emily's face. He felt a deep sense of unease. He knew she lived in the same town. They were neighbors, and she had smiled at him a few times. He wanted to say hello, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

He recalled their childhood, filled with laughter and shared secrets. He felt the familiar twist in his stomach. He was not sure how he had let the relationship fall apart, what he had done to break it.

He drove past her house. He saw her in the garden and pulled over. He watched her as she watered her flowers. He got out of his car and approached her. She looked up, and he introduced himself. He saw the polite confusion in her eyes. It caused him to shrink inside. She smiled and shook her head, saying she didn't recognize him. He felt his hands begin to tremble.