Gemotions

A lump formed in Carol’s throat, making it difficult to swallow. The crowded grocery store, usually a simple chore, felt like navigating a minefield. She leaned against the frozen food section, the cold seeping through her thin jacket. Just the sight of him made her pulse race, both excited and afraid.

She found him in the cereal aisle, carefully examining the nutritional information. “Ethan?” she began, the name a shaky whisper.

He turned, the gentle curve of his smile fading when he looked at her. “I don’t think we’ve met,” he said, his voice polite but distant. Her vision swam, the colorful boxes of cereal blurring into a meaningless jumble. She felt a great physical pressure.