Gemotions

He sat at the bar, nursing a whiskey, the amber liquid swirling in his glass. He’d been practicing his greeting for weeks, reliving the memories they'd shared, the promises whispered under starry skies. He saw her walk in, laughing with a group of friends. His breath hitched. He pushed himself up, his knees feeling weak.

He approached, forcing a smile he didn't feel. "Hey, Sarah, remember me?"

Her brow furrowed. She looked at him with polite confusion. “Sorry, I don’t think so.” She turned back to her friends, her attention already elsewhere. He felt a sudden, crushing weight pressing down on his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He retreated, the cheers and laughter of the group echoing in his ears. He sat back down and finished his drink, the taste bitter on his tongue.