Gemotions

The cobblestone streets of the old town felt alien under Maya’s feet. She’d tracked down Ben, her childhood confidant, hoping for a reunion filled with laughter and shared memories. Instead, she’d found herself standing across from a stranger.

“Ben?” she asked, her voice cracking slightly.

He looked up from his phone, his expression neutral. "Yes?"

"It’s… Maya. Maya Rodriguez."

He frowned, then shook his head. "I'm drawing a blank." He tucked his phone back into his pocket.

She felt a wave of nausea. The familiar landmarks, the bakery where they used to sneak cookies, the fountain where they’d tossed pennies, suddenly felt distorted. "We used to spend hours playing here, right by the canal." She gestured aimlessly, her hand trembling.

Ben shrugged, his eyes scanning the surrounding buildings. "Can't say I remember. I've always lived more towards the new part of town." A hollow feeling began to spread in Maya's stomach.