Gemotions

The cafe was bustling, the air thick with the aroma of coffee and the chatter of strangers. Daniel sat at their usual table, the worn list clutched in his hand. It was Chloe's. "Run a marathon." "Write a children's book." "Learn to play the guitar." He stared at the words, feeling a sudden sense of disconnect.

He looked around the cafe, at the smiling couples, the groups of friends. He felt a crushing sense of inadequacy. He felt as if he didn't know her at all. The espresso tasted bitter on his tongue.