Gemotions

The flickering candlelight on the restaurant table seemed to dance in a mocking rhythm. Amelia picked at the breadsticks, the crust crumbling beneath her hesitant fingers. Across from her, “David” was regaling her with a tale of his adventurous childhood. She’d heard a version of this story before, almost verbatim. A cold knot formed in her stomach. It was like deja vu, but tainted with a metallic tang of dread. She laughed, but the sound felt hollow even to her own ears.

He paused, a charming smile playing on his lips, and reached for her hand. The gesture was familiar, so familiar it chilled her. As his fingers intertwined with hers, a wave of nausea washed over her. She excused herself, murmuring something about the restroom, and fled into the cool darkness of the hallway. Leaning against the wall, she pulled out her phone, a tremor running through her.