Gemotions

The string quartet's music suddenly sounded too loud, too insistent. Her mouth went dry. She could feel the blood draining from her face, leaving her feeling lightheaded. He was right there, across the dance floor, laughing with a woman she vaguely recognized.

She fiddled with the strap of her purse, her fingers clumsy and fumbling. She wanted to disappear. The floor seemed to tilt beneath her feet. She was certain everyone was watching her, judging her.

The wedding, which had been anticipated with such excitement, now felt like a cage. She took a deep, shaky breath, trying to regain some semblance of composure. She forced a smile, a gesture that felt foreign, artificial, as she watched him take the woman's hand.