Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the small Italian restaurant, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Michael. He'd been expecting to celebrate his anniversary with "Sarah", but she was a no-show. This was not like her. He'd sent a dozen roses, booked their favorite table, even splashed out on a bottle of Barolo.

The restaurant was almost empty. He’d just sent Sarah another text when a man approached the table. He was well-dressed and carrying a bouquet of the same roses Michael had ordered. "Excuse me, I'm waiting for Sarah. Have you seen her?" the man asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"Sarah?" Michael repeated dumbly. "I’m waiting for her too." He pointed at the roses. The man's face fell, the bouquet suddenly looking small and insignificant.

A waitress walked over, a stack of menus clutched in her hand. "Are you two together? Sarah called earlier and said she would be… delayed.” She paused, looking between them. “She gave me this card for the first person who arrived.” The card read: "Happy Anniversary, my love."