Gemotions

The sun beat down on the park, but it did nothing to warm Leo. He watched Chloe, her laughter echoing on the breeze. He’d followed her for weeks, gathering the courage to speak. Finally, today. He approached her, his steps sluggish, his legs leaden. She’d turned, her eyes meeting his, and offered a shy, welcoming smile. It dissolved quickly.

"Do I know you?" she asked, tilting her head. The question hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. The joy, the hope he’d carried, withered in an instant. He felt his shoulders slump. He felt the weight of the day, of the years, pressing down on him. The vibrant green of the grass seemed to fade, replaced by a dull, hazy grey. He mumbled something about school.

She just smiled politely.