Gemotions

Her stomach lurched as she saw him. He was across the ballroom, laughing at something, the same effortless charm that had once drawn her in. She instinctively ducked her head, pretending to examine the floral arrangement on the table. A tremor ran through her, starting at her fingertips.

“Everything alright?” her date, Mark, asked, oblivious to the internal earthquake. She forced a smile, a shaky imitation of genuine happiness. “Perfect! Just admiring the… the greenery.” She picked at a stray petal, her pulse hammering against her ribs.

She avoided his gaze for the entire cocktail hour. Each time she thought she was safe, she felt a phantom touch on her arm, a ghost of his presence. The room seemed to shrink, the music turned muffled, and the laughter of the other guests a distant hum.