Gemotions

Her jaw ached. Sarah clenched it, fighting the urge to grind her teeth to dust. She’d rehearsed this meeting a hundred times in her head, envisioned it playing out perfectly. A joyous reunion, laughter, shared memories. Instead, Michael – *Michael* - regarded her with a mild curiosity, like she was an obscure exhibit at the zoo. "Sorry," he’d said, a casual shrug accompanying the words. "Doesn't ring any bells."

The vein in her temple throbbed. She felt a burning pressure behind her eyes, the insistent thrum of a headache beginning to form. She wanted to grab his shoulders and shake him until his brain rattled back into place. That was ridiculous. She leaned back, feigning a relaxed pose. “Right,” she managed, her voice tight. “Well, it was a long time ago, I guess.” She picked up her bag, her knuckles white around the strap. Time to leave, before she lost it entirely.