Gemotions

The air conditioning in the ballroom felt frigid, a stark contrast to the internal heat searing through Chloe. She watched Liam from across the room. He was holding a baby, laughing with his sister, his face lit up. She remembers how he used to look at her. She remembers how she used to look at him.

Her own date, a kind, well-meaning man named Mark, was trying to make conversation, but Chloe could barely focus. She kept looking back at Liam, and her throat felt thick, the words suddenly impossible to utter. The vibrant colors of the wedding decorations seemed dull, the energy of the party draining. She wanted to scream.

She excused herself and went to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. The woman in the mirror looked different. The woman in the mirror looked lost. She was sick. She needed to go home.