Gemotions

The lighthouse, perched on the windswept cliff, always evoked a sense of yearning in Clara. She used to come here with David, holding hands as they watched the sun sink into the sea. The crashing waves, the salt-laced air, the solitude – it was where they had first spoken of a future, a shared life. Now, she was here alone, waiting for Simon. He was supposed to arrive at any moment.

She checked her phone, finding no new messages. The sun was almost gone. She recalled David's promises, his words of forever. Then, a car's headlights pierced the twilight. He arrived. She opened the car door to greet him.

“Sorry I’m late, the traffic was terrible,” Simon said, his voice cheerful. Then, he froze. His smile faded, and his gaze went over her shoulder. His face then softened and a woman exited the car. Clara saw her and gasped. It was Emily, the woman she met last month at a gallery.