Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the grocery store hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the produce aisle. Mark watched Emily browse the apples, a basket hooked over her arm. He approached her, a knot forming in his stomach. They hadn't seen each other in years. He’d been so excited to find her.

"Emily? It's... Mark," he ventured, his voice a little shaky. She turned, her eyebrows arching in a question. She was stunning.

She tilted her head, her gaze questioning. “I’m sorry, I don't think I know you," she stated plainly. The air seemed to condense around him, making it hard to breathe. He began listing off memories. He spoke of treehouses and scraped knees, of secret hideouts and shared dreams. She continued to look confused. He found himself backing away, a growing chill spreading through his limbs.