Gemotions

The familiar scent of cinnamon and old books drew him in. It was her, browsing the shelves of the used bookstore. Ben, his heart hammering in his chest, approached slowly, trying not to spook her. He cleared his throat. "Olivia?"

She glanced up, her brow furrowing slightly. "Yes?" His stomach gave a little lurch. "It's Ben. From... from school. We were in the same art class, years ago." Her eyes remained unfocused, and a polite smile flitted across her lips. "I don't recall. Sorry." He felt a sudden ache of disappointment.

He watched her for a moment. Then, he went over to the "new arrivals" shelf. He found a worn copy of her favorite book from when they were kids. *The Secret Garden*. He carefully placed it on a table near her, making sure it was in her line of sight. He quietly slipped away, unable to bear the weight of any more conversation.