Gemotions

The dance floor was packed, bodies swaying to the upbeat tempo of the band. Liam avoided looking in her direction, even though he knew, with a certainty that bordered on agony, that she was close. He felt a constant, prickling awareness of her, a phantom touch on his skin. It had been nearly a year, but the sting of their breakup remained fresh.

He caught a glimpse of her laughing with someone, her head thrown back, her face alight. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, the image seared into his memory. He should have listened. He should have been more patient. He should have tried harder.

The music pulsed, the lights spun, and he felt a profound sense of loss, a heavy weight settling in his stomach. He sidestepped someone on the dance floor and almost ran right into the groom. He stammered an apology and hurried away, feeling exposed, vulnerable.