Gemotions

The flickering candlelight did nothing to soothe the tension building in Ethan’s shoulders. He’d spent hours preparing this meal, this proposal. It felt like a total waste. The aroma of rosemary and garlic, usually comforting, now felt suffocating.

He hadn’t even realized he was clenching his jaw until he felt the muscles start to ache. He stared at the empty chair across the table, his stomach twisting in a knot. He’d been stood up. Again. Then, he saw them. Laughing, arm in arm, walking into the restaurant. The same restaurant.

The air seemed to crackle around him. He wanted to shout. Instead, he just sat there, frozen, the carefully crafted romantic scene crumbling around him.