Gemotions

"Are you alright, dear?" her mother asked, her voice filled with concern. The question, like a sharp needle, pierced her already raw emotions. Jessica attempted a smile, but the muscles in her face refused to cooperate. Mr. Abernathy, her neighbor, had casually mentioned a private island he owned during their weekly grocery store encounter. He’d recently hired her ex-fiancé to work on the island.

Every breath felt labored. She could still feel the phantom weight of the engagement ring on her finger.

She excused herself and went to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. Her reflection stared back, eyes swollen, lips trembling. It was a face she barely recognized. The image of him, laughing with Mr. Abernathy, replayed in her mind, a relentless torment.