Gemotions

The engagement ring gleamed under the soft light of the bedside lamp. He’d planned to propose tonight. He remembered the thrill of buying it, picturing the joy on her face when she saw it. He thought of all their whispered secrets and shared dreams. A knot of sadness tightened in his chest.

The Italian restaurant buzzed with laughter and chatter. There, in a secluded booth, was *his* woman. She was smiling, that bright smile he knew so well. And with her was another man. He watched as the man took her hand. It was the same hand, the same smile, the same laugh. The ring felt like a stone in his pocket.