Gemotions

The school reunion was a disaster. It was as if a crucial part of her internal wiring had been unplugged. Across the crowded gymnasium, she had spotted David. She'd known him since kindergarten. Now, he approached her, a stranger. His smile was pleasant, but his eyes were vacant.

Now, she was leaning against a wall, observing the exuberant revelry around her. She felt like a glass of water, that had been dropped; broken, and everything spilled. The music was loud, grating, the laughter jarring. She felt a profound loneliness, a sense of isolation she couldn't explain.

Her hands were clasped so tightly they ached. She excused herself, the need for air was overwhelming.