Gemotions

The old carousel, still spinning, drew him in. He spotted her, laughing with a child. It was Jessica, and she hadn’t changed much at all. He felt a wave of joy, immediately followed by the sting of potential rejection. He approached slowly, gathering his courage. “Jessica?”

She glanced up, her expression friendly. “Yes?” He felt his throat constrict slightly. “It’s… Mark. We used to ride this carousel every weekend, when we were kids.” Her face remained blank. “I am so sorry, I don’t remember.” He felt a painful constriction in his chest.

He watched them for a moment, and then quickly went to the carousel operator and paid for a few extra rides for the little girl. He then left, the laughter of the children fading behind him.