Gemotions

The cafe bell chimed, a sound Maya usually barely registered. This time, however, the noise sliced through the air, making her jump. She almost knocked over her matcha latte. A girl with bright pink hair, pulled back into two messy buns, was standing by the counter, scanning the menu. Maya's breath hitched. She knew those buns. That shade of pink was unmistakable. It was Chloe, her online friend, the one she’d spent hours video-calling with, the one who lived “somewhere across the country.”

Chloe glanced over, her eyes widening just a fraction. Maya felt a jolt run down her spine. The cafe suddenly felt very small, the scent of coffee suddenly overwhelming. Chloe took a step closer, then another. "Maya?" she asked, her voice a soft question, a hint of something unreadable flickering in her eyes. Maya could only manage a slow nod.