Gemotions

She froze, her smile shattering like fragile glass. Across the hall, he was standing near the buffet table, engaged in lively conversation. It was as if a physical blow had struck her. Her carefully constructed facade of composure crumbled.

The music seemed to swell, a mocking soundtrack to her misery. Her chest felt tight, her breaths shallow and quick. She wanted to scream, to lash out, to make him feel a fraction of the pain he’d inflicted.

She took a step, then another, her heels clicking on the polished floor. She decided she didn't want to play nice.