Gemotions

The air in the ballroom thickened, becoming heavy and difficult to breathe. I spotted *her*. Jessica. My ex-wife. My hands began to tremble. I was suddenly aware of every imperfection, every flaw.

I felt a wave of shame wash over me. The carefully constructed facade of happiness I'd maintained for the last year crumbled. The joy of the wedding felt fake, a cruel parody of my own past.

She was approaching. My stomach twisted. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. I managed a weak smile, hoping to project an air of nonchalance I definitely did not feel.