Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the community center hummed, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. Maya stared at the spreadsheet, meticulously detailing the various activities they'd shared with David. Movie nights, cooking classes, weekend hikes. Each entry felt like a punch to the gut. Across from her, Emily kept tapping her pen against the table, a nervous habit Maya recognized.

Maya’s jaw ached from clenching it, the tightness spreading through her neck. The surprise felt hollow, the anger fleeting. The shock had long worn off and been replaced by an overwhelming sense of… inevitability. She’d known, deep down, hadn’t she? Each shared experience now felt tainted, a staged performance meant to charm another unsuspecting victim. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but the energy just wasn't there.