Gemotions

The weight on her chest was crushing, stealing her breath. She'd known him online for a year, their conversations a lifeline. She'd planned to meet him at her favorite coffee shop, the one with the quirky artwork and the mismatched furniture. She saw him. He was a table over, with a woman she’d never seen before.

Her face burned, her throat constricted. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The joy she had felt just hours ago, the anticipation of finally meeting him, had transformed into a raw and bitter pain. The barista called her name to collect her drink. But she just stared at the cup, the steam curling up. It all seemed so pointless.