Gemotions

"Just a work call," David had said, brushing her off with a quick kiss on the forehead. The dismissiveness stung more than the words themselves. Now, sitting on the edge of the bed, Emily felt a familiar weight settle on her shoulders. She rubbed her arms, as if to ward off a chill. She replayed the scene in her mind, dissecting every detail. The furrow of his brow, the brevity of his response. Were there clues she missed? Signs she should have noticed?

The bathroom mirror reflected a face she barely recognized. The dark circles under her eyes, the drawn look around her mouth. She barely slept. She'd been so busy trying to be the perfect partner, the perfect friend, the perfect everything, that she'd lost sight of herself. A tight knot formed in her stomach.

She walked into the living room and surveyed her surroundings. The framed photographs, the shared memories, felt like a judgment. Each item, a reminder of all her perceived flaws. He would never stay with someone like her, someone who was not perfect.