Gemotions

The art gallery hummed with a low thrum of conversation and quiet appreciation. She met his gaze. The way his eyes met hers, the way he leaned in to hear her over the chatter… it was all so… magnetic. Across from her, Jake was mid-sentence, talking about the artist’s unique use of color. She was so drawn to him, she found his words barely registered. She wanted to melt into his gaze.

A chime. A message. The photo revealed a secret, a betrayal. A photo of Jake and her, but in a different setting. With someone who looked exactly like her. She felt her face flush, then grow cold. The gallery lights seemed to dim, the music faded, and she was adrift.

"I need to leave," she said, her voice catching in her throat, feeling the sting of tears prickling behind her eyes. He said something, but she couldn't register the words. Her legs moved, carrying her away from him and the life they’d briefly shared.