Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled Amelia's tiny apartment, a welcome contrast to the drizzle outside. She hummed as she arranged the perfect selection of cheeses and cured meats on a wooden board. It had been weeks since she’d last seen him, but the text earlier that morning, a simple "Can't wait for tonight!" had sent her spirits soaring. Butterflies were doing somersaults in her stomach.

A knock echoed through the room. Smoothing down her floral dress, she swung open the door to reveal a woman with fiery red hair and a dazzling smile. "Amelia, right? I'm Sarah." The air felt electric, buzzing with an unspoken understanding.

Sarah held up a bottle of wine. "I hope you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon." Amelia’s brow furrowed. That was *his* favorite. A flicker of something in Sarah's eyes, a ghost of a smile, mirrored her own sudden, uncomfortable awareness.