Gemotions

The cafe buzzed with the afternoon rush. Amelia fidgeted, smoothing down the unfamiliar fabric of her dress again, even though it was already perfectly unwrinkled. The small, floral print felt itchy against her skin. She kept glancing at the door, her heart doing a frantic drum solo against her ribs. He was late, or at least, later than promised. She had been sure he'd like this place. The exposed brick, the low lighting, the soft jazz music – it was all very 'him', or so she had thought.

A woman walked past, a blonde with a familiar smile and a small, delicate handbag. Amelia recognized her immediately, the woman from the park, the one who’d called out “Goodbye, darling!” as she’d held hands with *him*. Amelia's carefully constructed composure began to crumble. She felt a strange tingling in her fingertips.

The blonde approached, her smile never wavering. "Excuse me," she said, her voice smooth and melodic. "Are you waiting for David?" Amelia couldn't find her voice, just a silent, frantic shake of her head. The blonde's smile faltered, replaced with a flicker of understanding.