Gemotions

The speeches seemed to drag on forever for Ethan, the words blurring into a meaningless hum. He felt as though a cloud had settled over him, dimming everything. The happy couples, the cheerful guests... they felt so remote, so foreign. He stood near the back, nursing a drink, a profound feeling of… absence… settling in his heart.

Across the room, he saw Chloe. She was smiling, laughing with someone. The sight of her, so vibrant and full of life, caused a sharp, sudden pang. He felt his chest tighten, his breath catching in his throat. He looked away, the room suddenly seeming to spin.

She saw him, paused in her conversation, then turned back, as if he didn’t exist. He felt relief, as much as devastation.