Gemotions

David’s pulse quickened as he recognized Jessica among the guests. He felt a cold shiver run down his spine, followed by a sudden flush of heat. The festive atmosphere of the wedding felt jarring, almost obscene. He felt a strange sort of helplessness, a sense of being trapped in a play he hadn't rehearsed for.

He found himself scrutinizing her, noting the way she moved, the way her hair fell, everything. He gripped his glass of wine so tightly that his knuckles went white. He needed to appear casual, composed, but his heart was hammering against his ribs.

Every shared joke, every lighthearted comment, felt like a deliberate jab. He couldn't relax. The evening stretched before him, an endless expanse of uncomfortable forced smiles and strained small talk. He longed to leave.