Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window of the pub. Clara watched the woman across from her, a woman named Chloe, twist a napkin into a tight knot. Chloe’s face was pale, her voice barely above a whisper. They had discovered, through a mutual friend, that they were both seeing the same man, David.

Chloe spoke of dates, of shared inside jokes, of a weekend trip planned for next month. Each detail was a fresh blow to Clara's own heart. But seeing Chloe's obvious devastation, Clara felt a deep urge to soothe, to comfort.

"He... he must be really struggling with something," Clara said gently, her hand reaching out to cover Chloe’s. The gesture was unplanned, a reaction to the other woman's fragility. "We don't know what's going on with him." Her own heartbreak seemed to recede, replaced by a need to help.