Gemotions

The carousel music tinkled, a soundtrack to her internal state as she practically skipped towards the coffee shop. She couldn’t stop grinning. After years apart, she was finally going to see Liam. He'd sent her a message, remembering their favourite childhood cafe.

Her heart thumped against her ribs as she pushed open the door. The familiar aroma of roasted beans and cinnamon hit her like a warm hug. She spotted him immediately, his dark hair a little longer, but that same crinkly smile at the corners of his eyes.

"Liam!" she called, her voice bright. He turned, his smile widening, but then it faltered, replaced by a polite, quizzical look. "Can I help you?" he asked. The smile was gone, the crinkles vanished. Her smile slowly faded. She took a step back, the happiness deflating like a punctured balloon.