Gemotions

The sun beat down on the beach, the waves crashing in a relentless rhythm that seemed to mock her inner turmoil. She saw him, Mark, building a sandcastle with his children, his profile framed against the bright sky. She remembered building castles with him, their laughter echoing across the sand.

He turned, saw her, and she felt the blood drain from her face. His reaction was a polite, slightly puzzled, acknowledgment. Then, he went back to his children. She watched him, feeling a hollow ache.

She sat on a nearby towel, the warmth of the sand doing little to soothe the sudden chill that had taken hold. She felt a burning sensation behind her eyes, the familiar sting of unshed tears.