Gemotions

The bustling train station, a cacophony of announcements and rushing feet, felt even more chaotic than usual. He saw her at the end of the platform, luggage at her side. He rushed toward her, nearly tripping over his own feet. He was desperate to see her.

“Emily! Emily Carter! It’s me, John! John Williams!” he yelled over the noise.

She turned, her face a question mark. She clearly didn't know who he was, her eyebrows crinkled as she tried to recall. “I’m sorry?”

He stopped, his momentum lost, the words he had planned to say now useless. "John? From… from the summer? Remember the lake? The boat?"

She shook her head slowly, a dismissive flick of her wrist. “I don’t know you, I’m afraid.” She looked away, as if she were waiting for the train.

He felt a tightening in his chest. A strange sort of… loss. He felt exposed, foolish. He just stood there, watching her, the sounds of the station fading into a dull roar. He took a step away, and then another, until he was swallowed by the crowd, disappearing like a whisper into the wind.