Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, mirroring the storm brewing inside Maya. She'd found Liam, her childhood confidant, across the room. She was so ready to announce herself. Her pulse hammered in her ears as she weaved through the tables.

"Liam!" she called out, a smile plastered on her face. His head snapped up.

He gave a polite, confused look. "Do I know you?" he asked, his voice gentle. The words felt like a shard of ice piercing her chest.

A flush rose to Maya's cheeks. "We... we spent every summer at the lake together," she stammered, struggling to keep her composure. "We were inseparable!"

He blinked. "I'm sorry, I'm drawing a blank." He offered a weak smile. Maya felt a peculiar heat rising in her chest. She wasn't one to give up easily. She stood tall, a spark igniting within her. "Well," she said, her voice unusually clear, "maybe you should refresh your memory."