Gemotions

The antique shop was filled with the scent of old paper and dust. Liam, his fingers tracing the spines of well-worn books, spotted her. Chloe. He hadn’t seen her in twenty years. He'd been looking for her this whole time.

He approached, his footsteps slow and deliberate. “Chloe?” he asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

She looked up from a delicate china teacup, her eyes widening slightly. “Yes?”

He introduced himself, watching her closely. Her expression remained neutral. He told her about their shared childhood adventures, the time they got locked in the library, their favorite ice cream flavor.

She listened with a courteous interest, but he saw no acknowledgment. Then, she shook her head, a gentle sadness in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, but it seems I've never had the pleasure."

Liam’s chest felt light. He felt a surge of energy to prove to her that they were connected. He felt an intense urge to begin again, to learn her.