Gemotions

The coffee shop was buzzing with a Tuesday afternoon crowd, but the little corner booth felt like a world apart. Liam sipped his latte, the warmth spreading through him like a soothing balm. He’d picked this spot specifically, away from the main thoroughfare, and settled in with his book.

He wasn't expecting her, not here, not now. But there she was, her face still sharp, but softened by time. Chloe. The girl who’d made his life miserable in middle school. Now she was a therapist. He wanted to run, but his legs felt leaden. He took another sip of his coffee. He was here, now.

"Liam?" Her voice was softer than he remembered. He met her eyes and saw a genuine concern. He didn’t know how, but he found himself meeting her gaze.