Gemotions

The rain hammered against the windows, mirroring the relentless drumming in Amelia's chest. She hadn’t slept properly in days, the image of Liam’s avatar, a cartoon cat with a perpetually cheerful grin, mocking her from the screen. They'd planned to meet, finally, after a year of late-night chats and shared playlists. He had even sent her a picture of the cafe where they were supposed to meet, the one with the quirky mismatched chairs and the aroma of freshly baked bread. Now, he was here. Across the street. Laughing with someone else.

Amelia’s fingers tightened around the lukewarm mug of tea, the ceramic cold against her skin. She'd walked to her usual haunt, the cafe just across from his apartment, hoping, against all logic, to catch a glimpse of him. Instead, the universe had delivered a gut punch. A fresh ache bloomed in her stomach, a bitter taste rising in her throat as she watched him. She knew that laugh, that easy way he tilted his head, the way he brushed a stray strand of hair away from his eye. It was all for someone else.