Gemotions

The pizzeria’s fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, adding to the feeling of wrongness. For months, Maya had confided in 'ShadowWalker', a mysterious voice that offered wisdom and witty retorts. They'd built a bond, a sanctuary in the chaotic mess of her life. Now, here he was.

He’d claimed to be a philosopher, a traveler, a soul searching for meaning. But the figure slouched across from her, shoving a slice of pepperoni pizza into his mouth, was… well, he was just *Dave* from her history class. She recognized the faded band t-shirt and the bored look in his eyes. He swallowed, then leaned back and said, "So, you're the one who thought my 'rants' were deep?"

Maya's fingers tightened around her lukewarm soda. She could barely manage a response.