Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the pharmacy seemed to buzz in Clara's ears. She watched from the aisle of vitamins as David chatted into his phone, his head tilted back in what she thought was pure, unadulterated enjoyment. His shoulders shook with silent laughter. Her stomach twisted.

She ran her hand along the shelves, not even looking at the products, and felt a burning in her chest. Why did he always seem so happy when he was talking on the phone? The easy flow of his conversation, the way his eyes lit up, felt foreign to her. When they talked, it was always practical things, schedules, appointments.

She grabbed a bottle of something, anything, and hurried to the checkout, shoving the receipt in her bag. The air conditioning did little to cool her down.