Gemotions

"Are you serious?" Claire's voice cracked. Her hands, usually graceful, fidgeted with the frayed edges of her scarf. She’d found Mark online, through a mutual friend's Facebook page. They had messaged, shared a few memories, and she'd felt that familiar, comforting spark of recognition. Now, here he was, across the crowded restaurant, looking at her with complete, utter bewilderment.

She'd been so sure. The dimples, the way he crinkled his nose when he laughed – those were all the same. She felt her chest constricting, as if someone had tightened a vise around it. The air in the room felt thick, oppressive.

"I... I thought you'd remember," she stammered, the words catching in her throat. He just blinked, his eyes devoid of any flicker of recognition. A waiter approached their table, offering a glass of wine. Claire looked at it and shook her head, feeling as though the world was closing in on her.