Gemotions

He felt a chill, despite the balmy summer evening. The wedding marquee, usually a place of joyous celebration, now felt like a gilded cage. Standing at the bar, nursing a beer, Michael watched her. *Her*. Across the room, bathed in the soft glow of the fairy lights, was Emily's friend, the woman he had spent so long trying to forget. A wave of bewilderment washed over him.

He hadn’t expected to see her again, not after…well, after everything. He’d meticulously avoided any place they might cross paths, carefully navigating their shared social circles. His hands, usually steady, trembled slightly as he raised his glass. This was a complete and utter surprise.

He focused on the conversation he was having with a distant cousin. His words felt hollow, disconnected from the turmoil churning inside him. The chatter and laughter around him seemed muted, distant. Every few seconds, his eyes flicked back to her. He was at a loss.