Gemotions

The scent of the floral arrangements was overpowering, a sweet, cloying fragrance that made Sophia’s stomach churn. Seeing David, she felt the familiar pang of regret. It was like a physical blow.

She clutched her drink so tightly, the ice cubes melted in her hand. She plastered on a smile, a mask that felt heavy and cumbersome. Every interaction, every fleeting glance, felt like a painful reminder of what could have been.

She excused herself from the conversation she was in, and slipped out onto the balcony, seeking refuge in the cool night air. The city lights glittered below, but offered little solace. She felt an overwhelming sense of loss, a deep ache that seemed to reside in her very bones.