Gemotions

The small coffee shop buzzed with a comforting energy that usually invigorated him. Today, however, the warmth of the surroundings only served to heighten the unease that had been brewing inside Daniel. Across the table, Emily was recounting a funny story. Her words seemed to drift, while he studied the way the sunlight caught the delicate curve of her neck. He found himself completely immersed in her presence. He felt a profound sense of… well-being.

Then, a ping. His phone. A message. He knew what it was before he even looked. The photo confirmed it. A shot of Emily with another man. It was him. And the other man. In a different city, two weeks prior. He felt a sudden, jarring disconnect, a chilling void opening in his chest.

He couldn't speak, could barely breathe. He pushed back from the table.

"I... I have to go," he managed to choke out, his voice barely audible.