Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the hospital cafeteria cast a lurid glow on Amelia’s face as she waited in line. Across the room, she saw him. He was tall, with a shock of unruly brown hair and a nervous energy that seemed to vibrate in the air around him. She felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to smooth down the front of her own shirt, even though it was already perfectly neat.

He caught her eye, and a hesitant smile bloomed on his face. Amelia felt a warmth spread through her chest, making her breath catch. She quickly looked away, pretending to study the menu, though all she could see was him.

“Excuse me, are you… are you alright?” she heard a voice say. It was him. He was standing beside her. Amelia spun around, her heart hammering against her ribs.

“Yes, fine,” she stammered, surprised by the tremor in her voice. He was holding a small, silver bracelet, identical to the one she always wore. “That’s… that’s yours?”