Gemotions

The bustling art gallery offered a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Across the room, amidst a crowd of admirers, stood Olivia, the girl who had shared his childhood dreams of becoming an artist. He remembered her smile, the way she could paint the most gorgeous pictures. He’d searched for her for years.

He navigated the crowd, his pulse quickening. “Olivia?” he ventured, when he was close enough.

She turned, her gaze meeting his. "Yes?"

He nervously attempted to explain his connection. He spoke of art classes, of the shared sketchbooks, of their imaginary world.

She listened. Then, she shook her head, a hint of apology in her voice. “I don’t recognize you.”

His shoulders relaxed. He felt energized. He’d ask her about her art. He would ask her about her life.