Gemotions

The empty swing set creaked in the breeze. He sat on the cracked pavement beneath, remembering a time before the emptiness settled. He’d finally found Emily. He'd imagined the reunion for years. He'd built up the story in his mind. He’d rehearsed what he would say. The reality was a cold hand on his heart. She had smiled at him, a practiced, distant smile. She had been gracious but confused. He spoke of the tree fort, of the secrets they'd sworn to keep. Her gaze drifted, her focus elsewhere. The laughter of children nearby mocked his isolation. The swing set became a testament to a lost world.