Gemotions

He found himself avoiding eye contact, even as he circulated the room. The room was buzzing with the typical wedding atmosphere. He should be thrilled for the happy couple. Instead, a knot resided in the pit of his stomach. It tightened with each shared dance and every whispered conversation.

He saw her across the room, by the bar, talking to another man. He pretended to be engrossed in his phone. The screen remained blank. He wished he could go back in time, rewrite some things.

Later, he stood alone on the balcony, the city lights a distant, shimmering grid. The weight of the evening pressed down on him, a crushing burden he couldn't seem to shed. He wanted to go home and never come back.