Gemotions

The coffee shop was buzzing with activity. Liam, clutching his lukewarm latte, spotted her across the room: Jessica. The girl who’d mercilessly teased him relentlessly throughout elementary school. He felt a nervous flutter in his chest.

He hesitated, then slowly approached her table. She looked up, her expression neutral. But then she smiled, a genuine, warm smile.

"Liam! It’s been ages," she exclaimed. She gestured to the empty chair. "Join me?" He sat, still a little stunned.

He’d almost left. Now he was in a conversation with her. He found himself telling her about his upcoming art exhibition, his anxieties surrounding it. She listened, her eyes attentive, offering thoughtful comments. He was surprised.