Gemotions

The bustling marketplace, once a place of joy, now felt like a suffocating cage. Standing across from Maya, his heart hammered against his ribs. It was their favourite place to meet as kids.

"Maya," he said, his voice barely audible. "It's… it's Daniel. Remember the ice cream stand? The pirate ship game?"

Maya looked at him, her expression blank. "I’m sorry, I don’t recall." she answered, a polite dismissal.

He felt the blood drain from his face. His carefully prepared sentences evaporated. The familiar colours of the market seemed to dull, the sounds of the crowd fading into a dull roar. He gripped the edge of a nearby table for support, his knuckles white.

His past, suddenly, seemed unreal.