Gemotions

The party was supposed to be a fun reunion, a chance to reconnect. She saw him across the room, James, looking dashing. He noticed her, too. A flash of a smile crossed his face, but then it quickly vanished.

He approached, polite but distant. He asked her name, as though they’d never met. She told him. He nodded, gave a polite greeting. He asked about the work she was doing.

She felt a wave of icy water wash over her. It had been years, but still... The air felt thick, difficult to breathe. She excused herself, feeling as if she were about to burst.