Gemotions

He’d asked to meet at the arcade, a place Sarah hadn’t visited since she was a kid. The flashing lights and cacophony of sounds seemed to amplify her unease. Her palms were slick as she walked towards the entrance, her feet feeling unusually heavy.

She’d imagined this moment so many times, but the actuality was terrifying. Would he be as charming in person? Would they have anything to talk about? She chewed at her lip, her heart a frantic drum against her ribs.

The smell of popcorn and stale pizza filled the air, and she gripped her phone, scrolling through their messages again, as though they could provide some last-minute courage. A guy wearing a red cap waved at her. Her face flushed, but before she could act, the world tilted sideways.