Gemotions

The restaurant was swarming with people, the noise level almost unbearable. Amelia had made the reservation weeks ago, and now, finally, the moment. Alex was sitting at the bar. She weaved through the tables, the clatter of silverware and the chatter of conversations amplified in her ears. She hated waiting.

She approached him and tapped him lightly on the shoulder. “Alex?” Her voice was carefully neutral, but inside, a torrent.

He turned, and a flicker of…nothing. Complete blankness. “I'm sorry, do I know you?” He took another sip of his drink, oblivious. She felt her hands start to tremble.

“Remember the tree swing? Remember that time we snuck into the movie theatre and got caught?” she pressed, forcing the memories into the conversation. She had poured over childhood pictures, practicing what she would say.

He looked confused. “No… I’m sure you have the wrong person.” He turned back to the bar, and a single tear escaped and ran down her cheek.