Gemotions

The bustling coffee shop buzzed with conversation, but for Clara, the world narrowed to the figure across the table. Her ex-boyfriend, Daniel, was recounting the time they traveled to Italy.

"The gelato, the sunset in Rome—it was magical," Daniel said, his eyes sparkling.

Clara stirred her coffee, the warmth of the mug doing nothing to ease the chill that had settled in her bones. She remembered the trip, alright. She remembered the constant arguments, the possessive glares, the feeling of being trapped. She didn't want to talk about it.

She focused on the steam rising from her cup, refusing to meet his eyes. Each word was a reminder of something she wanted to forget. She felt compelled to leave.