Gemotions

The cafe bell chimed merrily as Amelia pushed the door open, her heart skipping a beat. Liam, with his unruly brown hair and the same crooked smile that had always melted her insides, was already at a table, sketching in a notebook. She walked toward him, a light bounce in her step, the scent of fresh coffee filling her lungs. "Liam, hi!" she chirped, the word escaping her with an excited thrill.

He looked up, a flicker of confusion crossing his face before it smoothed into a polite smile. "Sorry, do I know you?" His brow furrowed slightly as he spoke, his eyes searching hers, but there was nothing there, not a spark of recognition.

Amelia’s smile faltered. The air seemed to thicken, making it hard to breathe. "Amelia," she managed, her voice barely a whisper. "We used to build forts in the woods. Remember? And the treehouse?"

He shook his head, a polite apology etched on his face. “I don’t recall, I’m sorry. I'm afraid you must have the wrong person." The words felt like a physical blow, a weight pressing on her chest.