Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Leo. He hunched over his lukewarm latte, ignoring the damp chill seeping into his bones. The email had been a summons, a suggestion that he see his childhood tormentor, Sarah, now a practicing therapist. The very thought ignited a fire in his chest.

He took a large gulp of the coffee, letting it burn his throat. He’d ignored the first email, the second, the phone call. Now this, a chance meeting, a nudge that had led him to this. He kept his eyes on the steam rising from his cup as Sarah approached.

"Leo?" Her voice, softer than he remembered, drew his gaze up. He made no movement to acknowledge her. He stared at the barista cleaning the coffee machine, watching him meticulously wipe down every part of it.