Gemotions

The cafe buzzed with Friday night chatter. Liam tapped his foot, a nervous energy coursing through him as he waited. He smoothed down his shirt for the tenth time. Tonight was the night. He was finally going to meet Sarah’s family. He imagined the approval, the shared laughter, the future stretching out before them, bright and full of promise. His stomach felt tight but in a good way, like he was about to launch himself into something amazing.

A woman with fiery red hair and a dazzling smile approached his table. "Liam?" she asked, her voice like tinkling bells. He beamed, jumping to his feet.

"Sarah! You look… incredible." He'd picked her up a bouquet of her favorite sunflowers, and presented them to her with a flourish. She gazed at them, then back at him, a confused frown creasing her brow.

"Liam, I… I don't think I know you."

He laughed, a bit too loudly, and reached for her hand. "Don't be silly, Sarah. You're going to meet my parents, remember? It's all arranged." A man with dark hair approached, his expression a mirror of her confusion.

“Sarah, who’s this?” he asked. Liam's smile wavered.