Gemotions

The cafe was a warm blur. Sunlight, thick as honey, slanted across the tables, doing nothing to invigorate Elara. Her eyelids felt weighted, each blink a monumental effort. She’d been up since dawn, chasing a deadline she’d long forgotten how to catch. Across from her, a woman with fiery red hair and a dazzling smile was mid-sentence, talking animatedly about her upcoming trip to Italy. Elara nodded, offering what she hoped was a convincing semblance of interest. Her head dipped involuntarily. The woman’s voice faded. “And then, he said…” Elara blinked again, trying to focus. He? Who was he talking about? “He was so charming, wasn’t he?” the woman asked, her eyebrow arched. Elara swallowed. The woman’s words were the only thing keeping her upright. She really needed some coffee.