Gemotions

The weight in Leo’s limbs was immense, as if gravity had increased tenfold. He shuffled into the bar, the neon lights of the sign outside seeming to bleed into the already dim interior. Another evening alone. "Chloe" had been "unwell" and had canceled their plans. He felt a constant, low-grade throb behind his eyes.

He saw her then, across the room. She was looking at him with a similar expression of dawning horror. A man, who, in another universe, might have been "Chloe’s" date, was also watching.

"Leo?" the woman finally said, the question laced with disbelief.

Leo forced a smile, but it felt brittle. "Sophia?" He already knew. The air crackled with unspoken accusations, with the shared sting of betrayal.