Gemotions

The music seemed to amplify the dull throb in Leo's head. Every forced smile, every polite conversation felt like a physical exertion. He’d hoped, with the passage of time, the sting would have dulled, but seeing Sarah’s former partner at the wedding, alive and well, was like the wound had been reopened.

He excused himself to the balcony, needing to escape the suffocating closeness of the ballroom. A cigarette offered a temporary respite. The city lights twinkled below, a stark contrast to the darkness that clouded his thoughts. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that felt heavy with frustration.

He saw her then, standing near the bar, looking as if she had the same feeling as him. He took a drag from his cigarette and thought about the times he had with her.