Gemotions

He watched her from across the room, a knot twisting in his stomach. The bright, cheerful decorations of the wedding seemed to mock him. Everything was too loud, too vibrant, too… happy. Liam had hoped, against all reason, that seeing Maya again wouldn't be this difficult. He’d told himself he was over it. Apparently, his heart hadn't gotten the memo.

He swirled the ice in his whiskey, the clinking sound a lonely counterpoint to the celebratory music. He felt a profound sense of isolation, even amidst the throng of people. He remembered the promise he'd made to himself - to be present, to enjoy the evening. But as he looked at her again, laughing with a new friend, the air seemed to be sucked from his lungs.