Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the all-night diner cast elongated shadows across the greasy tables. My stomach churned with a familiar unease, a knot tightening with each passing minute. I should have been thrilled. Liam, my online confidant for three years, the one who “understood” my darkest jokes and agreed with my cynical worldview, was finally here. In *this* city. Now. He’d suggested meeting. Said he was close by. I stared at the door, willing it to remain closed.

Each footstep sounded like a hammer blow against my skull. The waitress, a woman whose smile seemed permanently plastered, offered me more coffee. I waved her away with a dismissive flick of my wrist. She shuffled off, a momentary distraction. The anticipation was sickening. What if he was even more annoying in person? What if his voice grated? What if he was… happy?

The bell above the door chimed, and I instantly clenched my jaw. A lanky figure, barely visible in the dim light, hesitated. It was him. Even from across the diner, a surge of revulsion coursed through me. He gave a tentative wave, a sheepish grin plastered across his face. I didn't return it. Just stared.