Gemotions

The ocean breeze felt invigorating, whipping through Ethan’s hair as he walked along the beach. The world seemed clearer, the colors more intense. He felt a deep sense of… well, of *rightness*, something he hadn’t experienced in ages. He had a skipping step. He'd been looking forward to this day, meeting with Chloe. Chloe was at the restaurant, a dazzling vision in a summer dress. She jumped up when she saw him, her smile wide and bright. “Ethan! You look incredible!” she said, her voice filled with an excitement that matched his own. Later, as they were enjoying dinner, she said, "This place is great, isn’t it? I came here with this other guy, Leo, last week and he took me to a gallery." The words hung in the air, heavy and poisonous. Ethan, who had brought Chloe to a gallery, felt the change in him fade away.