Gemotions

The clinking of glasses felt like a cacophony as Jessica navigated the crowded room. Her eyes scanned the gathering, a flicker of dread in her heart. And then she saw him, Liam, talking and smiling with a group of friends.

Her breath caught in her throat. She fumbled with her purse, her fingers clumsy and unsure. The joyous music grated on her ears. Every beat was a reminder.

She excused herself from the conversation, mumbling something about needing to find the restroom. She felt a profound sense of wrongness, as if she had broken something precious.