Gemotions

The speeches droned on, each word a further descent into his private gloom. He pushed the uneaten wedding cake around his plate, the sweet frosting doing nothing to stimulate his appetite. He felt like he was made of lead, his limbs heavy, his thoughts sluggish.

He watched the other guests, their smiles seemingly genuine, their laughter effortless. He felt a profound disconnect, as though he were observing them from behind a thick pane of glass. The upbeat music grated on his nerves.

A sudden, sharp pain pierced his composure. He looked up and there she was, chatting with his best man, her eyes bright, her smile dazzling. He felt an overwhelming urge to turn and flee, to escape the crushing weight of her presence. He quickly looked away, pretending an intense interest in the floral centerpiece.