Gemotions

A knot tightened in Leo’s stomach as he stared at the bar. He’d ordered a whiskey neat, and the amber liquid seemed to mock his inner turmoil. Across the polished wood, a woman with fiery red hair laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. He remembered that laugh. He’d heard it just last week, but the memory felt tainted.

He'd been looking forward to this evening. A friend had invited him to a singles mixer, hoping it would help him move on. He'd thought a new face, a new conversation, might offer some relief. Now, he just wanted to disappear. Everything felt… heavy. His shoulders slumped.

The red-haired woman glanced his way, catching his gaze. She offered a friendly smile. He just nodded, then swiveled back to his drink. He wanted to tell her he knew the man she was talking to. He wanted to scream about the lies. He just drained his glass and signaled for another.