Gemotions

The crisp autumn air nipped at Thomas’s cheeks as he walked through the park, his new puppy, Gus, bounding happily alongside him. Leaves of red and gold swirled around them, rustling underfoot. He’d just received a promotion at work and couldn’t help but grin. Life was, well, it was good. He was whistling, a melody he hadn't known he knew, as he threw a stick for Gus.

He bumped into someone near the old oak tree. "Oh, sorry!"

"No worries," a voice said. Thomas looked up. It was Sarah. Sarah, who he hadn’t seen in a decade.

"Sarah? Wow! It's been ages!" He beamed, genuinely delighted. "How have you been?"

Sarah tilted her head, her face creased with puzzlement. "I'm sorry... do I...?"

The ground shifted beneath his feet. The bright leaves seemed to dim. The wind lost its playful edge. The warmth in his chest turned to stone.