Gemotions

The air inside the reception hall hung thick with the scent of perfume and expensive flowers, a combination that made Daniel's head spin. He stood near the entrance, trying to blend into the wallpaper, the celebratory atmosphere a painful assault on his senses. The clinking glasses and boisterous laughter were a constant thrum of unrest.

He saw her, Sarah, laughing with the bride. Her happiness was like a bright, unrelenting light, too intense for him to bear. The way she moved, the way she smiled…it was a knife twist to his insides.

He wanted to run, to disappear into the night.

Then, Sarah's eyes met his, and he was trapped. She began to walk towards him.

“Daniel, hi! Long time no see.”