Gemotions

Liam trailed behind his friends as they navigated the throng of guests. The energy of the wedding was a foreign language to him. He was supposed to be celebrating, but the celebratory air felt like a weight, pressing down on his chest. His feet shuffled across the polished floor, each step a monumental effort. He felt like he was wading through molasses.

The bride's entrance had been a blur, the speeches even worse. He barely registered the words. He found himself staring blankly at the ornate table settings, the pristine white tablecloths, the glittering silverware. He felt a dull ache behind his eyes, a persistent reminder of something missing.

A hand touched his arm. He turned, startled. It was Chloe. Her eyes met his, and he saw a flicker of…pity? He quickly looked away, suddenly intensely interested in the intricate pattern on the carpet. He felt the blood drain from his face as she offered a polite, strained smile. "Liam, isn't this lovely?"