Gemotions

The photographer called for the couple to do a dip for the camera, and it felt like a cruel joke to Clara. The room erupted in cheers, but her ears were ringing. She’d thought she was over him. Truly. Years had passed. New relationships, new cities, new routines. Yet, here he was, across the dance floor, laughing with a woman she didn’t recognize.

Her fingers fidgeted with the strap of her clutch. The silk felt strangely rough against her skin. The music, a lively pop song, seemed to mock the stillness in her heart. She excused herself from her table, claiming a need for air.

The cool evening breeze did little to dissipate the heat that flooded her face. She closed her eyes for a moment, and saw flashes of images: his hand in hers, their shared jokes, their silly nicknames. The memories, once precious, now felt like shards of glass lodged beneath her skin.