Gemotions

Eliza smoothed down the already flawless fabric of her skirt, her fingers trembling. The message had read, "Meet at the park, by the swings." Such a generic location, for such a specific connection. She had shared *everything* with 'StarryEyes88' – her fears, her triumphs, her deepest insecurities.

When she spotted him, slumped against the metal structure, phone glued to his ear, a wave of heat washed over her. He was shorter than she imagined, and his hair was slicked back in a style she’d always found…unappealing. He ended his call with a terse goodbye, then glanced up, his expression shifting from a vacant stare to a flicker of what seemed like mild annoyance.

"You're… you're StarryEyes?" he asked, his tone flat. Eliza wanted to evaporate. She felt a knot forming in her stomach, a bitter taste in her mouth. She clutched the strap of her bag, feeling a flush creep up her neck.