Gemotions

The bustling marketplace, filled with the aroma of spices and the chatter of vendors, had been Maya's ideal backdrop for their reunion. She'd envisioned her and Ben, trading jokes and stories like they used to. They'd been inseparable as kids, two peas in a pod. Now, she was ready to see him.

"Ben!" she called, waving from across the square. He turned, his eyes scanning the crowd. He approached, his face unreadable.

"Yes?" he said, a polite, impersonal tone. Maya’s stomach twisted.

"It's me, Maya! Maya Singh? From Willow Creek? We built that crazy fort in your backyard." She held her breath, waiting for recognition. He just looked at her.

“Maya… Singh? I’m sorry, the name’s not familiar. Were you new to town?” His gaze flicked away from hers, already searching for someone else. Her hands clenched into fists. A burning sensation erupted in her cheeks.