Gemotions

The pub was noisy, filled with Friday night revelers, but for Oliver, the cacophony felt isolating. He’d retreated to a quiet corner with a pint and a well-worn copy of *The Hobbit*. He'd bought it to escape his thoughts.

A single playing card fell out, the Queen of Hearts. On the back, a single word was written: "Waiting." He ran his thumb across the smooth surface. The word resonated in his chest.

He watched the groups of friends laughing and joking, the couples holding hands. He felt a sharp pang of envy. He had no one to wait for, no one to share his life with.

He drank his beer slowly, the card clutched in his hand. He finished the pint, unable to face another round. He paid and left the pub, walking into the cold night.