Gemotions

The familiar scent of woodsmoke and pine needles usually soothed Elias. But tonight, standing at the base of the old oak tree, the one where they'd carved their initials, it only amplified his unease. He’d found Chloe at the farmer’s market, her face framed by sunshine, her smile captivating.

He’d approached cautiously, offering a tentative greeting. “Chloe? It’s Elias. From… from summer camp? We built a fort here?” he pointed to the tree.

Chloe tilted her head, a puzzled expression on her face. "I don't think so," she said, her voice gentle. "I've never been to summer camp."

He stumbled back, as if struck. His breath hitched in his chest. He felt lightheaded, the world around him blurring.

The carved initials on the tree, once symbols of their shared past, now felt like a cruel joke, a taunt.