Gemotions

The instant she saw "Olivia" across the crowded coffee shop, a flush of heat crawled up Clara's neck. All that time, all those late-night chats about the frustrations of commuting, the terrible landlords, and the ridiculous bus routes... Olivia was *right there*. Clara’s hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms.

She hadn't even recognized her at first, all bundled up in a fluffy scarf and a ridiculous hat. But the distinctive laugh, the one that used to make Clara smile during her awful day, was unmistakable. Now, it grated on her.

Clara wanted to scream, to fling her lukewarm latte at the smug, unsuspecting woman. Instead, she stood frozen, the world narrowing to the space between them. Every shared secret, every complaint, felt like a betrayal.