Gemotions

He’d waited for hours, leaning against the cold brick of the building, a worn copy of their favorite comic book clutched in his hand. Ethan felt the familiar knot tighten in his stomach. The text read, "I’ll meet you here." It was a simple message, the only one he had received in months. When she finally emerged, her laughter echoed, but it wasn't for him. She was with a man, a stranger. He'd approached, the comic held out like a fragile peace offering. She'd blinked at him, her smile evaporating. "Do I know you?" she asked. He dropped the book, the thud resonating in the sudden, deafening quiet. His fingers fumbled, searching for purchase on the wall, before he walked in the opposite direction, his gait unsure and his shoulders slumped.