Gemotions

The restaurant was too loud, the music too upbeat, the laughter echoing around her. Amelia found herself picking at her food, pushing the pasta around her plate without any real intention. "They're offering me a promotion in Texas," Ben had said, his face alight with excitement. She forced a smile, but her smile felt fake, glued to her face. She felt disconnected, like an observer watching someone else's life unfold. She took a sip of water, the cool liquid doing nothing to soothe the sudden heat that had flushed her cheeks.