Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the bar, mirroring the storm brewing inside David. He’d seen Emily, the girl who'd written him love notes, across the room. She was now a confident woman, talking to strangers.

He had marched over to her and introduced himself. Her eyes had widened, a flicker of something he couldn't name, but it vanished quickly. A polite smile. A vacant stare. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I remember you.”

His jaw clenched. He wanted to ruin her evening, to make her feel the same sharp, twisting pain that had taken up residence in his chest. He grabbed a handful of peanuts, crushing them in his hand and watching the crushed remains spill onto the floor.