Gemotions

The sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, painting the church in vibrant hues. Everything seemed impossibly bright, too loud. Eleanor leaned back against the pew, her posture slumped. The ceremony droned on, a blur of vows and prayers, none of which seemed to resonate with her.

She barely registered the kiss, the congratulations, the confetti shower. She felt disconnected, like an observer in her own life. A hollow ache filled her as she walked into the reception.

Then, at the corner of the dance floor, she saw Michael. He was laughing, animated, his arm around a woman she didn’t know. The sight of him was like a physical blow. She abruptly turned away, her throat tight, the air suddenly thin and hard to breathe.