Gemotions

"You're… you're kidding, right?" Maya's voice cracked, the words barely audible. Across the crowded restaurant, Alex’s face was a mask of polite bewilderment. He had listened patiently as she recounted their shared adventures, their silly inside jokes, their countless afternoons spent playing in the creek. Now, he simply shook his head, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "I'm sorry," he offered, his voice apologetic. “None of this is familiar.” Maya felt her vision blurring. She reached for her water glass, her hand trembling so badly she nearly knocked it over.