Gemotions

The party thrummed around Chloe, laughter and chatter filling the air. She’d spotted Mark across the crowded room, his hair now neatly styled, his shoulders broader. He looked… impressive. She’d rehearsed her greeting a dozen times. But when she approached, a tentative smile plastered on her face, he simply gave her a polite nod, a generic "hello." The air seemed to condense around her, making it difficult to breathe. He’d introduced her to his date with a blank expression, as if they’d never spent countless hours building castles in the sandbox. Chloe excused herself, the cheerful music suddenly grating on her nerves, and retreated to the balcony, the city lights blurring through her tear-filled eyes.