Gemotions

The cafe smelled of coffee and freshly baked bread, but the aroma failed to comfort Ethan. He stared at the table, running his finger along the chipped surface. He had arranged to meet with Michael. They'd been inseparable as children. He'd even brought with him a faded photograph of them from their grade school graduation.

Ethan saw Michael enter. He looked at him, and his expression was a blank slate. He stared back at him, confused. Ethan watched Michael's face. He could see that the memories were not there.

Ethan's shoulders slumped. He felt an immense sadness wash over him. Michael walked away. The cafe felt stifling. He picked up the photograph, studying the faces of the two young boys. He crumpled the photo. The warmth of the coffee could not reach him. He felt as if a vital connection had been severed, leaving a gaping wound.