Gemotions

The shared photograph, a picture of Leo with a beaming face, clutched in her hand. It felt like a physical blow. Across the table, Mark, his face pale and contrite, was stammering explanations. She felt a cold, hard knot in her stomach.

She hadn't realized how important the relationship was to her, until then. He'd ruined everything.

"I... I need a moment," she said, her voice barely a whisper. She rose, pushing the chair away with a violence she hadn't anticipated. It scraped across the floor, the sound grating.

She walked towards the restrooms, not intending to go in. She needed to escape. The tiled hallway felt oppressive, suffocating. She stepped outside into the busy lobby, the noise and bustle a welcome distraction from the churning emotions within.