Gemotions

The fluorescent lights hummed a gentle song above Maria's head as she watched David, her replacement, struggle with the coffee machine. She reached over, her hand brushing his for a moment as she adjusted the settings. A soft warmth spread through her chest. "Let me show you again," she offered, her voice unusually light. She felt a silly smile tugging at her lips.

David was taller than her, with kind eyes and a nervous energy that she found endearing. He had the same slightly-too-long hair that she remembered having when she first started. Maria patiently walked him through each step, her fingers lingering slightly longer on the controls. The clatter of cups and the hiss of the frothing wand created a comforting rhythm.

"There," she said, finally stepping back, her smile widening. "Now you try." As he fumbled with the milk frother again, a giggle bubbled up from her. She felt absurdly delighted at his clumsy attempts. Seeing him, she remembered the first time, and it felt like witnessing a version of herself – a version she held a special affection for.