Gemotions

The chipped paint on the park bench felt cold beneath his hand. He’d come here, to the place they used to spend hours, sharing secrets whispered amongst the rustling leaves. Today, there was a soccer game in full swing nearby, and kids were yelling and laughing. Daniel had hoped seeing this place might jog something for Chloe, but she'd simply shrugged.

He had rehearsed what he would say, the anecdotes, the funny stories, the inside jokes. But when he opened his mouth, the words felt hollow, lost in the air. Chloe had politely listened, her eyes scanning the field, her attention elsewhere. He wanted to shout, to shake her, to make her *feel* something, but he knew it would be pointless. His throat was tight.

He closed his eyes and inhaled. The smells of the grass and the distant hotdog stand triggered only him.