Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, usually so comforting, now seemed cloying to Eleanor. She sat at a table in the corner of the café, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. She was waiting for Ben. They had planned to meet for breakfast, but he was late. Again. She knew he had a bad habit of running late, but today, something felt different.

The cheerful chatter of the other customers grated on her nerves. She felt a knot forming in her stomach, and she couldn't seem to sit still. She kept checking her watch, her pulse quickening with each passing minute.

She saw him. He was coming towards her, but there was a woman at his side. He didn't see her at first, engrossed in his conversation. Then, he looked up, and his face instantly paled. The woman looked at Eleanor and her face twisted into an expression of shock. Eleanor felt the weight of the world drop onto her shoulders.