Gemotions

The clinking of glasses, the murmur of conversation, everything became a dull roar around Emily. Her breath hitched when she saw him, Daniel, near the cake table, chatting with a group of their shared acquaintances. She felt utterly exposed.

She felt a phantom sensation, the way his hand used to rest on her back, the constant assurance of his proximity. She felt lost, as if she didn't know who she was without him.

She scanned the room, looking for an anchor, a friendly face to cling to. It felt like she needed to ask permission to breathe.