Gemotions

The humid air of the reunion felt heavy on Elias's skin. He strode towards Sarah, a determined set to his jaw. He'd rehearsed this moment a hundred times. "Sarah?" he asked, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands.

Her brow furrowed. "Elias? I don't... I don't think I know you." The words were like a physical blow. He felt his shoulders slump, the bravado he'd carefully cultivated threatened to crumble.

He swallowed hard, pushing past the sting. "We used to build forts in your backyard, remember? And the time we tried to catch the lightning bugs?" He pressed on, his voice gaining a desperate edge. He would jog her memory, he had to.

She stared, unblinking. "Sorry," she said, before turning back to her conversation. Elias stood there, rooted to the spot, a sudden chill creeping up his spine despite the heat. He squared his shoulders, a deep breath filling his lungs, and marched himself off the dance floor. He could still make the most of this night. He would.