Gemotions

The air was thick with the scent of lilies and expensive perfume. Olivia was making small talk with a distant cousin, a smile plastered on her face, when she saw him. Her stomach lurched. Mark. Standing by the bar, talking animatedly with a group of friends. She'd thought she was over him.

The casual, controlled facade she'd carefully crafted since their breakup began to crack. Her pulse quickened, and she could feel the blood rushing to her face. She excused herself from the conversation, her voice sounding unnaturally high. She needed to get away, to regroup, to find some semblance of composure.

She stumbled towards the outdoor patio, the cool night air a welcome relief. She leaned against the railing, her hands shaking as she tried to compose herself. She felt as though she couldn't breathe.