Gemotions

The restaurant buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, but for Sarah, it was a muted symphony. She stared at the plate of untouched pasta, the sauce beginning to congeal. The text, a declaration of affection, a "You're the only one for me," had reached her sister’s husband. She quickly turned off her phone.

She felt like she was trapped in a glass box, and everyone could see her. She excused herself and went to the restroom. She splashed cold water on her face, but it didn't wash away the stinging in her eyes or the unwelcome knot in her throat.