Gemotions

The carnival lights seemed to blur around Ben as he approached Chloe. He'd held onto the memory of their shared adventures for years. It was an important part of his spirit. He moved forward, his heart attempting to punch its way out of his chest, and his eyes glued to his target. He knew this encounter was necessary.

"Chloe," he began, his voice surprisingly firm. "Remember the Ferris wheel? The cotton candy?"

Her expression was blank. "I don't think so," she said, a polite smile on her face. It felt like a punch in the gut, but he refused to flinch.

He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "We built a whole world, you and I. Treehouses, secret codes, everything." He wasn't going to let this go easily. He refused to let go of the connection that had helped shape who he was.

Chloe shook her head, confusion clouding her features. But Ben pressed forward. "Let me buy you a drink," he insisted, his voice ringing out above the carousel music.