Gemotions

Her fingers drummed a frantic rhythm against the table. Across the restaurant, Maya watched Emily’s animated face as she recounted a story to the man beside her. He leaned in, his eyes wide with feigned interest, and Maya felt a knot tighten in her stomach.

They had built forts in the woods, traded secret notes, swore eternal friendship. How could she not remember? They had been inseparable. Now, Emily acted as though Maya was nothing more than an acquaintance.

Maya ordered another glass of wine, the chilled liquid doing little to soothe the growing heat that radiated from her chest. The stranger’s hand briefly touched Emily’s arm, and Maya’s jaw locked. She abruptly stood, knocking over her chair in her haste to leave.