Gemotions

The string quartet’s music grated on his nerves. Each perfectly played note felt like a deliberate taunt. He caught sight of Jessica, laughing with her new fiancé, and a tremor ran through him. He’d imagined this scenario countless times, but the actuality was more potent, more… acute.

He felt the weight of the memories, each one a phantom limb. He took a long drag of his cigarette, his hand shaking slightly. The smoke, usually a comfort, offered no relief. He felt a crushing sense of loneliness, even among the crowd. He wanted to scream.