Gemotions

He found himself constantly adjusting the collar of his shirt, tugging at it even though it wasn't tight. The air felt thick, heavy. This reunion, arranged after years apart, was supposed to be a joyous occasion. He saw her walking towards him and stood up with a grin, trying to look enthusiastic. "Sarah! Wow, it’s been… a while."

Sarah studied him, tilting her head. "You look familiar." Her gaze scanned his face, lingering a moment too long. "Did we… go to the same school? Or maybe a summer camp?"

His stomach lurched. He felt as if a spotlight had suddenly focused on him. He stammered, "We did everything together! Remember the treehouse? And that time we tried to make a volcano out of baking soda?" He blurted out the words, feeling a ridiculous heat rise up his neck.

She shook her head. "I don’t think so. I don’t recall any of that." Her polite smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. He wanted the floor to swallow him whole.