Gemotions

He'd followed her blog for years, the subtle clues, the photographs. He finally found her address. He was at her front door now. He rang the doorbell, his hand clammy. He heard footsteps approaching.

The door opened, and she was there. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw him. He smiled, ready to explain. "Sarah? It's David. We used to…"

Her expression was a mixture of uncertainty and apprehension. She was unsure who he was. “I… I don’t think I know you.”

He felt the blood drain from his face. His voice cracked. “But… the dog? The chocolate milk? The secret code?” He felt his carefully constructed facade crumble.

She bit her lip, her gaze flitting past him. “I’m… sorry. I have to go." She seemed to retreat into herself, her shoulders drawing up. She quietly shut the door. David felt his legs grow weak. He stood there for a long moment, the silence amplifying the echo of the closing door. He turned and stumbled away, his world suddenly tilting.