Gemotions

He felt a throbbing ache behind his eyes, a dull, persistent misery that intensified with every forced smile he offered. The air was thick with the scent of lilies and celebration, a combination that made him want to retch. He had been lurking near the buffet, the food doing nothing to satiate the emptiness within him.

Then, he saw her, Rachel. She was laughing and chatting with friends. He felt a familiar twisting sensation in his stomach. The elegant setting, the joyful attendees, all seemed to conspire to mock him.

He excused himself to the bathroom.

As he emerged, she was standing there, blocking his path. “Andrew,” she said quietly.