Gemotions

The soft music from the jazz club blended seamlessly with the murmur of the crowd, a gentle background to the laughter shared between Thomas and his girlfriend, Jessica. They had been dating for six months, and the evenings with her were a haven of relaxed ease, a welcome respite from the pressures of his own life. The fact that her parents trusted her to be a doctor brought him a sense of peace.

Jessica had told him about a tough day at the hospital, but he had offered his comforting words. Jessica excused herself to get drinks. When she did, Thomas was approached by a waiter with a message, a small slip of paper slipped in his hand. “The lady ordered another drink, it seems she’s off today, she’s in the staff room”

Thomas felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The comforting rhythm of the evening, the gentle jazz, the easy flow of conversation, all seemed to shatter. He excused himself, a vague sense of unease settling over him as he made his way to the back of the building.