Gemotions

The weight of the afternoon sun pressed on Leo's shoulders as he sat at the cafe, nursing a lukewarm espresso. He’d been expecting Chloe for an hour now. She was never this late. The small, cluttered tables seemed to shrink as the minutes ticked by. He tapped his fingers impatiently on the worn surface.

Finally, she arrived, beaming. "Ah, caro mio! I am so sorry!" she exclaimed, her voice lilting. She gestured to the chair opposite him.

Leo looked at her, his expression a mask. He simply nodded, the corners of his mouth barely twitching. He picked up his coffee cup and took a large gulp, the bitterness reflecting his mood.