Gemotions

From his vantage point at the end of the pier, Leo watched Amelia approach. The sun beat down, turning the water into a sheet of shimmering silver. He fidgeted, running a hand through his hair, then repeatedly adjusted the collar of his shirt. He'd been waiting for an hour.

She got closer, a slight smile gracing her lips. He took a deep breath. This was it. “Amelia? Do you remember… Leo?” he asked, his voice strained. His entire body felt tight with anticipation.

She stopped, her smile fading. “Leo? I’m sorry, but…no.” She seemed genuinely perplexed, and his shoulders sagged. The boat horn in the distance was irritatingly loud.

He shuffled his feet, feeling an internal pressure building. “We spent every summer here! We built sandcastles, we collected seashells…” He felt his jaw clench, every muscle screaming at him to just run away.

She shook her head. “I have no memory of that.”