Gemotions

She bumped into him, literally. The overflowing grocery bags scattered across the sidewalk, apples and oranges rolling towards the curb. "Oh, I am so sorry!" Maya stammered, scrambling to gather the fallen produce. He knelt to help, his fingers brushing hers as they picked up a stray tangerine. Her face was a blur of apology. He knew every freckle on her face.

"Don't worry about it," he said, the words catching in his throat. He saw a flicker of recognition in her eyes, then it vanished. "Do I know you?" she asked, tilting her head.

He mumbled something about a common acquaintance, avoiding her gaze. He helped her load the groceries back into the bags, his movements clumsy. He felt a hollowness in his chest, a vacuum where joy should have been. As she turned to leave, she offered a polite smile, a stranger's smile, and walked away. He stayed there, frozen, watching her receding figure until she disappeared around the corner.