Gemotions

The radio played softly in the background, a stream of bland pop songs that did nothing to penetrate the emptiness filling Claire's apartment. She sat hunched over her laptop, staring at the blinking cursor. The essay she needed to write remained untouched. The words seemed to dissolve before she could capture them.

A sudden text message. It was from a mutual friend, asking if she knew anything about a reunion. It seemed they were planning on reuniting with their whole class, including Sam.

She had to go. She *had* to see him. But as she prepared herself for the event, a knot of dread began to form in her stomach. She spent hours getting ready, putting on her best clothes, and then walking through the doors of the auditorium, where the reunion was being held.

Sam walked by. He didn't even notice her. He didn't even glance her way.