Gemotions

The news spread through the family like wildfire. Her aunt, a known gossip, cornered her in the kitchen at the family gathering, her voice laced with pity. He responded with a forced nonchalance, trying to laugh it off, but each forced utterance of his voice felt unnatural.

She retreated to the garden, the vibrant blooms offering no solace. The lush foliage seemed to press in on her, reminding her of the expectations that had been laid upon her, expectations she hadn't met. He picked at a loose thread in the hem of her dress, her fingers trembling slightly.