Gemotions

From across the crowded marketplace, David recognized the woman. It *had* to be her. Emily. He quickened his pace, weaving through the throng of people, his heart pounding against his ribs. He called out, "Emily! Emily, wait up!"

She turned, and the sunlight caught her face. He was inches away now. His hand reached out. “Emily? It’s me, David. David Harris. We used to… you know…”

Emily's expression shifted to something that was… nothing. Just a polite, distant look. She looked him up and down. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I know a David Harris.” Her gaze flickered to his hand, still outstretched, and then back up to his face, a quick assessing glance.

He felt the blood drain from his face. His voice cracked as he tried again. “But the ice cream shop? And the time we… the… the… the thing with the dog?” He felt foolish, grasping at straws.

Emily simply smiled, a thin, almost apologetic gesture. “I really have to go.” She turned and disappeared into the crowd. David stood there, the vibrant energy of the market suddenly muted, the smells of spices and food no longer interesting, just a blur of color and sound.