Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, mirroring the storm brewing inside Amelia. She stared at the lukewarm latte, the foam now a sad, deflated mess. Her date, Daniel, had promised her a romantic evening, but he was late. Again. She’d spent the last hour meticulously applying her makeup, choosing an outfit that she hoped would finally impress him. Now, she just felt... hollow. The door chimed, and Daniel hurried in, offering a perfunctory apology. "Traffic was a nightmare." He didn’t notice the slump of her shoulders, the way her grip tightened around the ceramic mug.

His phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. "Sorry, gotta take this," he mumbled, already halfway to the door. Amelia watched him go, feeling a familiar ache in her chest.

A woman with fiery red hair and a dazzling smile bounced over, apologising for being late. “Sorry, sorry, he said to meet him here,” she said, looking towards the door. Amelia stared at her, her breath catching in her throat. The woman smiled at her expectantly.