Gemotions

"That was the night we saw the shooting star!" Sarah was beaming. She and Ben had been sharing a bottle of wine and were going over their past, again. She'd been recounting the story of their 'magical evening'.

Ben smiled weakly and nodded. Sarah had said it was the best night of her life. He remembered a cold, damp field, a rapidly fading star, and the gut-wrenching argument that followed.

"Remember how romantic it was?" Sarah prompted, her voice lilting.

He could feel a flush creeping up his neck. He felt like he couldn't breathe. "Yeah," he said, the word barely a breath. He suddenly felt a need to be away from the pleasant atmosphere.

He just stood and moved, trying to walk away from his own body. He had to go, to escape. The evening’s joy was a burden. He couldn't stand it. He walked out of the room, leaving the wine, leaving Sarah, leaving the memory behind.