Gemotions

He gripped his champagne flute a little too tightly, the bubbles tickling his nose. The floral arrangements, the carefully chosen music, the laughter of the guests – all of it triggered a cascade of past memories. The reception hall was a swirl of movement, and he found himself searching the room for a specific face.

He found her near the buffet, selecting a mini quiche. Her hair was pulled back in a simple braid, just as she used to wear it when they were together. His chest felt heavy. It took him back to simpler times when they used to host dinner parties, each person assigned a dish.

He remembered her smile and how effortlessly she could light up a room. He took a long, slow sip of the champagne, the cold liquid doing little to soothe the sudden heat in his cheeks. He decided to find a quieter place, somewhere to collect himself.