Gemotions

The ocean breeze whipped through Elara's hair as she raced towards the beach. Her lungs were burning, but her chest felt expansive and free. It had been years, but she was finally going to see Mark. She could still recall the taste of salt water and the feel of sand between her toes as she dove into the past, remembering her first love.

She saw him near the lifeguard station, hair tousled from the wind. Approaching, she shouted to him over the roar of the waves. "Mark! Mark Harrison! It's Elara! Elara Peterson! The sandcastles, remember?"

He turned, the sun glinting off his sunglasses. "I'm sorry, I don't think I know anyone by that name." He adjusted his sunglasses and turned back to the water.

Elara's breath hitched. She felt oddly cold, despite the warm sun. The beach, which had seemed like a haven, now felt vast and empty. She turned and began walking back the way she came, her body slowly losing its buoyancy.