Gemotions

The old high school football field, now overgrown with weeds, was where he’d found her. He’d seen her from across the lot, her familiar silhouette instantly recognizable. He approached, the image of their younger selves, laughing, playing, flashing through his mind.

"Hey, it's Emily. Remember me?" he asked. Her head snapped up, a look of confusion on her face.

"You look familiar," she said, her voice hesitant. "Do I know you?" He felt his optimism deflate.

"John. John Carter. We went to summer camp together. Remember the talent show?" He watched her face for a sign of recognition. Nothing. She just stared at him blankly.

"I'm sorry, I don't. I don't recall. My memory is a little spotty." He swallowed hard, trying to appear nonchalant, but his voice cracked slightly. A cold dread settled in his stomach. He clenched his fists at his sides.