Gemotions

“I can’t believe you’re here!” Leo blurted, staring at the woman who’d been his online confidante for the past year. Her screen name was 'LiteraryLioness'. They’d bonded over a shared love of obscure poetry. He thought she lived in Europe.

He felt the blood drain from his face. His carefully curated online world and his real life had just collided in a way he hadn't anticipated. He felt a weird, unsettling lightness.

She smiled back, a genuine, warm smile. “Small world, huh?” she said, her voice filled with amusement. He suddenly became very aware of the scuffed boots and mismatched socks he was wearing.