Gemotions

The movie theater was dark, the previews playing on a deafening loop. He’d told her to meet him at the concession stand. The anticipation had been a light, pleasant ache. The smell of popcorn, usually comforting, now seemed cloying. He ran a hand over his sweating palms.

He saw her, her silhouette framed by the harsh fluorescent lights. She was with a woman. The woman wore his favorite jacket.

His throat constricted. He took a step back, the world tilting.

He remained there, frozen, unable to process the scene unfolding before him. The cheerful music from the previews seemed mocking.