Gemotions

“Congratulations to the happy couple!” Ben muttered, the words feeling hollow even to his own ears. He’d spent the evening attempting to engage in polite conversation, but each attempt seemed to fall flat. He felt a persistent hollowness, like a cavern in his chest.

He drifted towards the bar, ordering a double scotch, hoping the alcohol would numb the ache. As he waited for his drink, he saw her, Olivia, by the dance floor, swaying gently to the music. The memory of their breakup, a messy and painful affair, flashed before his eyes.

He took a large gulp of his scotch, the fiery liquid doing little to dispel the chill that had settled over him.