Gemotions

The familiar scent of lilac filled the air as Elias approached Sarah’s doorstep. He'd found her, finally. After years of searching, here she was. He was holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers. He raised his hand to knock, but hesitated, then knocked.

The door swung open, and Sarah stood there, looking older, but still so unmistakably her. He grinned, ready to launch into a story about their shared escapades. “Sarah! Wow, it's been ages! Remember when…”

Her brow furrowed. She paused, her eyes searching his face as if trying to place him. Her shoulders tightened. "I... I don't know you." Her voice was soft, but the words hit him with a physical force.

He stood frozen, the flowers suddenly heavy in his hand. He hadn't anticipated this. She was looking at him as though he was a stranger. He felt his smile falter, his carefully planned speech collapsing. He swallowed hard. “But… the fort? The creek? The… the accident?”

Sarah shook her head slowly. “I’m really sorry, but I don’t think you have the right person.” She took a step back, as if she was preparing to close the door.