Gemotions

The world felt painted in bright colours as Clara skipped into the coffee shop, the air alive with the scent of roasted beans and the chatter of early-morning customers. She grinned as she spotted Ben at their usual table, a stack of books and notepads spread before him. Today, they would discuss their latest writing project, a collaborative fantasy novel that filled her days with joy. She felt a lightness within her. She walked over to him, her heart ready to burst with excitement to see him. But when she got close, she noticed he was dressed in an expensive suit, a designer briefcase at his feet. A fancy business card was sitting on the table. The name on the card read: Benjamin Hawthorne, CEO, Hawthorne Publishing. The smile froze on Clara's face. All the words she had prepared died in her throat.