Gemotions

Elias strode towards the bustling art gallery, his steps eager, a grin plastered across his face. He’d seen Maya’s paintings online and tracked her down. He had been imagining telling her how much her art had improved. He saw her standing by a painting and approached, a welcoming smile on his face. "Maya! It's me, Elias! Remember the school talent show? You sang, and I was the stagehand."

She turned, her eyes narrowed slightly as she took in his appearance. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice cool and measured. "I don’t think I know you."

He felt as though someone had punched the wind out of him. His smile faltered, replaced by a stunned silence. He swallowed hard, trying to regain his composure.