Gemotions

The familiar route to the park now felt like a maze. I was supposed to meet Daniel, who claimed to be a librarian. But I heard him give a commencement speech, the president of a prestigious university. I felt lightheaded, everything felt blurred, like a dream.

I felt a tightness in my chest, and my palms began to sweat. The picnics, the book discussions, the quiet walks… all of it, re-evaluated. The laughter felt hollow. I could not breathe.

I turned around, and began walking in the opposite direction. I could not face him.