Gemotions

The photographer gestured for everyone to gather for a group shot. Clara felt a cold dread settle in her gut. He was right there, positioned directly beside her friend, the bride. She wanted to disappear.

She forced a smile, but it felt brittle and artificial. Her cheeks burned. During the picture, she kept her gaze fixed on the ground, avoiding all eye contact. "Cheese," she squeaked, a sound barely audible above the photographer’s commands. She hoped, desperately, that the photo would be blurry, that her presence would be rendered insignificant.