Gemotions

The band had started playing a slow dance, and the lights dimmed. He spotted her near the edge of the dance floor, her back to him. He hadn’t expected to feel this way, the sharp, aching pang in his chest. He felt… ill. It was a physical sensation.

He’d rationalized their breakup for so long, constructed a narrative where he was the victim, where he'd done nothing wrong. But seeing her here, in this setting, surrounded by joy, the truth hit him like a physical blow. He’d made a mistake, a big one. He'd lost something precious.

He turned away from the dance floor, unable to bear the sight of her enjoying herself. He headed toward the men's room, wanting to escape the feeling that overwhelmed him. He needed to be alone.