Gemotions

Sweat slicked Elara’s palms as she waited. The coffee shop pulsed with a low thrum of conversation and the hiss of the espresso machine, a sound she usually found comforting. Today, it was just another irritant. She saw Liam across the room, sunlight catching the gold flecks in his hair, just like she remembered. He was laughing at something the woman with him said. Elara felt a tremor start in her chest.

He looked up, their eyes met. A flicker of polite recognition, a swift, almost imperceptible nod. Then, nothing. He turned back to his companion, a smile already forming, as if she were a complete stranger. A knot formed in Elara's stomach. She felt a need to flee, but her feet seemed rooted to the ground.

She slowly began to walk toward him. Each step felt like a marathon. She felt a flush spread up her neck, a prickling heat under her skin. When she stood before him, her voice came out small and tight. “Liam? It’s… it’s Elara.”