Gemotions

The small town felt suffocating, and the news had only made it worse. Across the diner table, Ben was beaming, describing his new life. His life, without her.

Every word he spoke, every detail he shared, was a tiny, sharp pinprick. She found herself fiddling with her straw, watching the ice melt in her glass. The clatter of cutlery sounded deafening.

He noticed her silence. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face. She managed a nod, forcing a weak smile. The air in the diner felt thick, almost unbreathable. She imagined herself holding her breath until the world went dark.