Gemotions

The cafe smelled of burnt coffee and something floral, which was a disquieting combination. Across the small, metal table, Liam laughed at something the woman across from him had said, a bright, genuine sound. He hadn't changed much, she mused. The same easy smile, the same slightly too-long hair falling into his eyes. But *she* certainly had.

A strange pressure built behind her eyes. He’d leaned forward, gesturing animatedly with his hands. She traced a pattern on the condensation of her iced tea, a habit she thought she'd shed years ago. Everything felt skewed, unreal.

“You look…familiar,” Liam said suddenly, his brow furrowed. He tilted his head, studying her. A flicker of something, maybe recognition, crossed his face, only to disappear. “Have we met before?”

She should have expected this, she knew, but the sharp sting in her chest surprised her. “Maybe,” she said, her voice sounding far away. The air felt thick, heavy, difficult to breathe.