Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air as Maya walked through the town square. She could almost taste the cinnamon rolls her and Sam used to steal, sneaking off to the bakery. The bells of the church chimed, a sound she associated with countless happy memories. She spotted Sam, now a grown man, at a cafe table.

She hesitantly approached, a wave of emotion churning inside her. "Sam? Maya. Maya Rodriguez. Remember the summer carnivals?"

He looked up, a blank expression on his face. "I'm afraid I don't." He gave her a polite but firm stare.

Maya felt a wave of emptiness wash over her. Her memories, her feelings, felt heavy in her chest. She stood there, feeling the wind against her skin, the scene playing out in a dream. She wanted to scream, cry, do something to prove that their past was real. Instead, she turned around, and walked away.