Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the venue, mirroring the storm brewing inside Amelia. She hadn't expected him to be here, though logically, she knew he would. The invitation was a formality, a required presence. Her shoulders were tense; the dress she’d chosen felt itchy and constricting.

A wave of nausea churned in her stomach as she glimpsed him across the dance floor, laughing, his arm around another woman. The woman’s dress was bright, her smile wide and carefree, while Amelia's felt like lead. She turned her back, focusing on the small square of cake on her plate, the sweet taste failing to penetrate the bitter coating on her tongue.

She pushed her fork around the frosting, watching the droplets of condensation form on the glass of her water. Each gentle movement seemed to demand a great amount of effort, her muscles stiffening with each passing moment. She thought of excuses to leave early, to escape the crushing disappointment that had settled upon her.