Gemotions

"I'll be at the diner on 5th," the message read. "Need to talk." I felt a sudden tightening in my chest. It was from "Dreamweaver," the person I'd been supporting through a difficult family situation. I immediately thought, *I must go.*

The diner was almost empty, save for a few late-night workers and one customer in a booth by the window. I recognized her instantly. It was Chloe, the girl from my yoga class, whose smile always seemed a little forced. She was hunched over a cup of coffee, her face pale. A deep pang of distress echoed in my heart.

I walked toward the table, ready to listen, ready to be there.