Gemotions

The cafe buzzed, a chaotic symphony of clinking mugs and hurried chatter. Sarah fidgeted with the sugar packet, tearing the corners until they frayed. Across the small, metal table, Liam sat, his brow furrowed in concentration as he scanned the menu. He looked…different. Older. But the laugh lines crinkling around his eyes were still familiar. She’d rehearsed this meeting a hundred times in her head, the easy rapport, the shared memories, the effortless rekindling of their lost friendship. Now, words snagged in her throat, a choked-off gasp.

“So,” she managed, her voice cracking slightly, “It’s been a while, huh?”

Liam looked up, his gaze sweeping over her face. He blinked, a flicker of polite recognition, but nothing more. “You… do I know you?” A slow, puzzled frown settled on his features. The sugary paper crumpled in her grip.