Gemotions

The confetti still clung to her hair as Chloe bounced down the street. Her new boyfriend, Daniel, had taken her to a surprise concert, and the music, the lights, the whole experience—it was all magic. A giddy laugh bubbled up as she thought about his goofy grin when she’d squealed with delight at the first chord. She pulled out her phone, already composing a text about how amazing the night had been, and how much she was looking forward to seeing him again tomorrow. Butterflies tap-danced in her stomach.

The chime of her phone announced a new message. She opened it, a broad smile plastered across her face. It was a picture, a blurry selfie of Daniel and another woman, both of them beaming at the camera. The caption read, "Date night success! You're the best!" Chloe’s breath hitched, the message feeling like a punch to the gut. The world, previously shimmering with light, suddenly seemed to dim.