Gemotions

The beach was almost deserted, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sand. Ava felt a thrill as she skipped along, the ocean breeze whipping through her hair. She had the perfect playlist, the perfect picnic basket, the perfect plan. Everything was perfect.

She spotted him by the dunes, silhouetted against the setting sun. *Him*. He turned, and a smile spread across his face, and he waved. He was early. Good.

“So,” she said, her voice teasing, “What did you get me?”

He looked around. He looked confused. A woman emerged from the other side of the dunes, also carrying a picnic basket. Her eyes glinted with the same eagerness.