Gemotions

The champagne flute trembled in Amelia’s hand, the bubbles doing a nervous dance against the crystal. She'd chosen a deep emerald dress, hoping the color would deflect attention. Apparently not. There, across the crowded dance floor, was Daniel. She hadn't seen him in months.

He was laughing, his arm draped around some woman with a cascade of blonde curls. Amelia felt a heat bloom in her chest, a burning embarrassment that radiated outwards. The music was a blur, the chatter around her suddenly deafening. She needed to disappear.

She took a large gulp of the bubbly and promptly choked on it, coughing and sputtering, drawing a few concerned glances. Mortified, she mumbled an apology and retreated towards the relative safety of the bathroom. The ornate mirror showed a face she barely recognized, flushed and brittle.