Gemotions

Heaviness settled in Ben's chest. The chipped mug of tea sat untouched on the worn coffee table. Sarah, perched on the edge of the sofa, was recounting a trip to the botanical gardens. Ben already knew the story; he had been there, with a woman named… no, it wasn’t Sarah. He pinched the bridge of his nose, a dull ache throbbing behind his eyes.

"And," Sarah said, her voice bright, "he loved the orchids, just like I do!"

Ben just nodded slowly. A strange emptiness spread through him. He felt as if something had leaked out of him, leaving him hollow. The room felt suddenly cold, even though the central heating was on full blast.

"He?" Ben managed.

Sarah’s brow furrowed. "David, silly! Didn't I mention it? Your David!"

Ben stared into the dregs of his tea, the world going blurry around the edges.