Gemotions

The fairy lights twinkled above, a festive touch that did little to lighten the gloom settling over Ava. She fiddled with the strap of her dress, a nervous gesture that betrayed her composure. She knew the layout of the room, she knew she'd see him. She knew where he'd be. She'd been avoiding this moment all night.

She watched the other guests. She watched them dance, she watched them laugh. She felt a strange detachment, as if she were viewing it all through a pane of glass. She looked at her phone.

She saw him. He was standing by the bar, talking to the groom’s cousin. She took a deep breath. She wouldn’t initiate a conversation. She wouldn’t do anything. She was ready to leave.