Gemotions

He whistled a jaunty tune as he cycled down the cobbled streets, the wind whipping through his hair. The air tasted crisp and clean, and the world seemed to shimmer with possibility. Leo felt light, like he could soar. He was meeting Sarah, his childhood confidant, after a decade of silence. He’d spent the last week reliving their adventures, the scraped knees, the shared secrets, the laughter that rang through the summer evenings.

He spotted her across the bustling marketplace, her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, the setting sun painting her face gold. He raised a hand, a grin splitting his face. "Sarah! Hey!" he boomed.

She turned, her expression blank. She tilted her head, a confused frown creasing her brow. "I'm sorry," she said quietly, her voice hesitant, “do I know you?” Leo felt a sudden chill, a deep, unsettling stillness.