Gemotions

Her breath hitched as she saw the familiar name. Michael. The boy who stole her lunch money and then made fun of the way she ate. His face was older, but still smug. She felt a familiar hollowness spread through her. Her apartment felt cold, even with the central heating on full blast.

She had spent the afternoon staring at their wedding photos, relics of a life that had vanished in a cloud of betrayal. The images seemed to mock her, showcasing a happiness that had been a carefully constructed illusion. She let the tears fall, making no effort to stop them.

He'd promised forever. And then, he had run off, taking all the happiness with him.

She clicked the reject button. A small victory, in a world that felt utterly desolate.