Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, mirroring the storm brewing inside Amelia. Across the small table, Liam grinned, recounting tales of his backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. He gestured animatedly, describing the vibrant markets and the delicious food. Amelia tried to smile, to appear interested, but a dull ache throbbed behind her eyes. He’d looked right through her, asking how *she* was doing as if they'd just met. She’d spent hours meticulously crafting her appearance, a soft echo of the girl he used to know. The effort felt pointless now. She’d even worn the butterfly clip, her signature style from their childhood. Liam hadn't even acknowledged it. A burning flush crept up her neck, and she picked furiously at a loose thread on the tablecloth.