Gemotions

The sound of crashing waves filled the air. Michael stood on the sandy beach, the wind whipping at his coat. He gazed out at the vast ocean, remembering how he and Jessica used to spend entire summers here, building sandcastles and searching for seashells.

He found her working at a local hotel. He'd approached her, a nervous flutter in his stomach. "Jessica, it's me, Michael." She'd studied him for a moment, her expression blank, and then shook her head. "I don't believe we've met." The sting of her words lingered.

Michael walked along the shoreline, kicking at the wet sand. He picked up a smooth, grey stone, turning it over in his hand. He looked at the waves, their endless ebb and flow, and wished, for just a moment, that he too could be swept away.