Gemotions

From his vantage point near the bar, David watched as Emily navigated the throng of guests. He recognized the way she held herself, shoulders slightly hunched, as if shielding herself from the noise and the attention. He knew that stance well.

He knew she would be feeling awkward, too. Even now, he could feel it, the knot that would inevitably be in the pit of her stomach. The memories. The regrets. He found himself avoiding eye contact, not out of malice, but because he didn't want to make it any worse.

Later, he saw her, alone on the patio, looking at the stars. He made his way out there, offering her a space in the quiet. He didn't say much. He didn't need to. The shared silence, punctuated by the rustle of leaves, was enough.